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How to Spot a Witch

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Reimagine Dahl's beloved classic in this gorgeous, hand-lettered gift book perfect for The Witches fans of all ages! Featuring the best and brightest lines from Roald Dahl's magical story, this book displays the iconic quotes in creepy, whimsical, and artful calligraphy.

Highly illustrated, with quotes and passages from one of Roald Dahl's most beloved books, this gift book reimagines The Witches , rendering its lines in gorgeous, creepy, and whimsical calligraphy -- making this a must-have for any Dahl collection!

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 25, 2020

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About the author

Roald Dahl

1,536 books27.3k followers
Roald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie Tournas.
2,863 reviews41 followers
November 12, 2020
Excerpts from Dahl’s novel The Witches comprise the text in this small format book. The text offers ways to recognize witches, although of course there are conflicting characteristics. For example, some look like ordinary women; but they are always bald. Written to be scary, these pointers are not for toddlers! Each page in this short book contains a statement front and center, with illustrations around it. Grau’s art is whimsical, and plays with colors and shapes, using symmetry to balance the design.

It’s a picture book, but not for small children. I’m not sure what its use would be. Also, in Dahl’s world, witches are always women, which is not exactly fair!
Profile Image for Hali Davidson.
243 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2021
I enjoyed the poem, but I didn't find Carmi Gray's illustrations to be cohesive. It felt like the illustrations for a book about tips for luscious hair, not for a silly book for small children.
Profile Image for Charity.
395 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2021
My students love the book “The Witches” and this was a cute book that “reminded” them of the ways to recognize witches. It’s kind of like a supplement to the book.
Profile Image for Sleepninja.
127 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2022
Wasn't what I was expecting. It basically lists the witchy characteristics from Roald Dahl's book. But I'm not even mad because the art is SO gorgeous and I enjoyed this really quick read.
Profile Image for Stephanie Tournas.
2,863 reviews41 followers
October 7, 2020
Excerpts from Dahl’s novel The Witches comprise the text in this small format book. The text offers ways to recognize witches, although of course there are conflicting characteristics. For example, some look like ordinary women; but they are always bald. Written to be scary, these pointers are not for toddlers! Each page in this short book contains a statement front and center, with illustrations around it. Grau’s art is whimsical, and plays with colors and shapes, using symmetry to balance the design.

It’s a picture book, but not for small children. I’m not sure what its use would be. Also, in Dahl’s world, witches are always women, which is not exactly fair!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews