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The Witch's Child
In this scary story, a witch who desires a child of her own makes a rag doll but cannot bring it to life. In her anger, she decides if she cant have a child, no one can. Then a little girl stumbles into the witchs house and discovers the doll, and her affection for the doll brings it to life. Full color.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2007
About the author
Arthur Yorinks
79 books29 followersArthur Yorinks is a playwright, director, and author of more than thirty-five picture books for children, including the Caldecott Medal–winning Hey, Al, illustrated by Richard Egielski. His most recent picture book is Presto and Zesto in Limboland, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Arthur Yorinks lives in Cambridge, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 24, 2019
A cruel and heartless witch, one who delights in causing suffering for those around her, Rosina had "all there was to have," save for a child of her own. Fashioning a girl out of straw and naming her Rosalie, she makes many attempts to bring this homespun offspring to life, but all to no avail. When a group of local children damage Rosalie, after Rosina enchants them and forces them to play with the straw girl (as part of another effort to bring her to life), the witch is enraged, declaring that if she cannot have a child, no one shall. Transforming all the children into thorn bushes, she leaves her fields under a permanent dark cloud - a constant danger to any wandering child. But one day, the following autumn, a little girl named Lina finds her way to Rosina's house regardless, and through her loving care for Rosalie, and her terror and need, when confronted by the angry witch, she brings the straw girl to life at last, with disastrous results for Rosina...
This powerful story from the pen of Arthur Yorinks, whose many picture-books - the Caldecott Medal-winner Hey, Al , the inventive Louis the Fish - explore a fantastic world of the imagination, centers around a fundamental idea: evil can destroy, but it cannot create. And so Rosina finds that, for all her awesome power, she cannot bring Rosalie to life. It takes the gentle care and concern of Lina, and her need for Rosalie's protection in the end, to waken the straw girl. This is not a sweet witchy tale, in which the witch is a benign force or, at the very least, a reformable power: in The Witch's Child Rosina is evil through and through, and she remains so, until destroyed by her own child (if Rosalie can be said to be hers at all, which the story calls into question). Just as the story draws upon dark themes - although it must be said that there are reassuring ones as well, not least the happy ending, in which Rosina is defeated - so too does the artwork of Jos. A Smith, which brilliantly captures Rosina's menacing presence. The scene in which she flies through the winter woods is particularly chilling! Her depiction stands in stark contrast to that of the children playing, and then later, of Lina: here all is light and bright color. Even the front and rear endpapers highlight this contrast, with the front showing bare branches against a gray sky, while the rear displays colorful flowering branches in spring. With such a powerful story, and such speaking artwork, this is a truly outstanding picture-book, one I would recommend to young children who enjoy truly scary witchy stories, rather than the sweeter variety.
This powerful story from the pen of Arthur Yorinks, whose many picture-books - the Caldecott Medal-winner Hey, Al , the inventive Louis the Fish - explore a fantastic world of the imagination, centers around a fundamental idea: evil can destroy, but it cannot create. And so Rosina finds that, for all her awesome power, she cannot bring Rosalie to life. It takes the gentle care and concern of Lina, and her need for Rosalie's protection in the end, to waken the straw girl. This is not a sweet witchy tale, in which the witch is a benign force or, at the very least, a reformable power: in The Witch's Child Rosina is evil through and through, and she remains so, until destroyed by her own child (if Rosalie can be said to be hers at all, which the story calls into question). Just as the story draws upon dark themes - although it must be said that there are reassuring ones as well, not least the happy ending, in which Rosina is defeated - so too does the artwork of Jos. A Smith, which brilliantly captures Rosina's menacing presence. The scene in which she flies through the winter woods is particularly chilling! Her depiction stands in stark contrast to that of the children playing, and then later, of Lina: here all is light and bright color. Even the front and rear endpapers highlight this contrast, with the front showing bare branches against a gray sky, while the rear displays colorful flowering branches in spring. With such a powerful story, and such speaking artwork, this is a truly outstanding picture-book, one I would recommend to young children who enjoy truly scary witchy stories, rather than the sweeter variety.
March 20, 2024
This could have been amazing. The illustrations of the witch and the doll are fantastic, as are toys, trees, thornbushes, witch's house (note the andirons). The contrast between the beginning and ending endpapers is smart. Naming the witch Rosina, such a pretty, gentle name, reminding one of garden roses, is inspired. (Don't forget that roses have thorns, of course.)
But the illustrations of the children are, imo, workmanlike. Their fate is dissonant, somehow. The text seems, to me, to plod along. The theme and arc of the story are creative takes on archetypal classics... until the end, at which point I would have, had I been editor, told Yorinks to .
I do recommend it, not to tots, but to older children and anyone who likes a *very* creepy original fairy-tale. Just don't have hopes for it as high as mine were. It's not as good as Hey, Al
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Reread. Review stands, but it's even more of the horror genre than I remembered. Goodness.
But the illustrations of the children are, imo, workmanlike. Their fate is dissonant, somehow. The text seems, to me, to plod along. The theme and arc of the story are creative takes on archetypal classics... until the end, at which point I would have, had I been editor, told Yorinks to .
I do recommend it, not to tots, but to older children and anyone who likes a *very* creepy original fairy-tale. Just don't have hopes for it as high as mine were. It's not as good as Hey, Al
---
Reread. Review stands, but it's even more of the horror genre than I remembered. Goodness.
July 4, 2008
An evil, horrible witch takes pleasure in tormenting others and has pretty much all she wants. Except a child. So one day, she makes a doll out of straw and her hair and tries everything she can think of to bring the child to life. But nothing works and eventually the witch attmepts to get other children to play with Rosalie (her daughter). But after the children almost tear Rosalie apart, the witch becomes enraged and turns all the living children into torn bushes and abandons Rosalie. Much later, a little girl sneaks into the witch's house and finds Rosalie and is able to bring her to life with the only thing the witch did not have--love. But what will happen when the witch finds out?
I thought this book was quite enjoyable. I liked the illustrations and the story. However, it is very morbid and scary for young children and I would not recommend it the usual picture book age unless you want to torture your child. Wait until older grade school and they will like it a lot.
I thought this book was quite enjoyable. I liked the illustrations and the story. However, it is very morbid and scary for young children and I would not recommend it the usual picture book age unless you want to torture your child. Wait until older grade school and they will like it a lot.
August 28, 2019
What is the moral of this story again? The witch wanted to have a child but she wasn't worthy of a child. It's like mothers that have children but are terrible people or mistreat other children. That's what I got from this story. Pretty much, Also, the witch illustration of the witch is very scary for a child.
July 29, 2010
I normally don't comment on children's books, but both my five year old and I loved this one. ("Read it again!" she begged.) It's creepy and haunting in the tradition that the original Grimm brother's fairy tales were scary.
It reminded me in good ways of a gothic short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne called "Feathertop." In classic fairy tale fashion, the wicked are punished, and love truimphs, but this is startling and darkly imaginative work, and pleasure to read for both adults and children.
It reminded me in good ways of a gothic short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne called "Feathertop." In classic fairy tale fashion, the wicked are punished, and love truimphs, but this is startling and darkly imaginative work, and pleasure to read for both adults and children.
October 30, 2024
Creepy enough story and scary and haunting illustrations makes this a perfect Halloween read-aloud for Grade 3! A message about the power of love does not hurt either.
January 29, 2020
This book, for me, was a little creepier than I'd like for a picture book.
September 21, 2020
Actual nightmare fuel.
November 3, 2020
I loved this story. It's about a witch who likes to scare kids. She is a mean witch. She is watching some neighbor children one day and decides that she would like to have her own child so she creates one out of straw. She gets mad when the child does not respond to her at all.
When the children are playing in her field, she takes her child out there but the kids laugh at her child and pull her stuffing out. The witch gets mad at the children and turns them into brambles.
She brings her child back to her house and leaves her on the floor. After winter, spring and summer fly by, autumn comes and a little girl wanders into her house and finds her child on the floor. She restuffs her and brings her to life with her love.
When the witch shows back up, she thinks that the little girl is there to steal her child. I will not give away the ending of this book but all is well in the end.
My only complaint was how they got rid of the witch in the end. It might be too scary for some children. Perhaps she could have poofed into nothing!
I would recommend this to people who have children.
When the children are playing in her field, she takes her child out there but the kids laugh at her child and pull her stuffing out. The witch gets mad at the children and turns them into brambles.
She brings her child back to her house and leaves her on the floor. After winter, spring and summer fly by, autumn comes and a little girl wanders into her house and finds her child on the floor. She restuffs her and brings her to life with her love.
When the witch shows back up, she thinks that the little girl is there to steal her child. I will not give away the ending of this book but all is well in the end.
My only complaint was how they got rid of the witch in the end. It might be too scary for some children. Perhaps she could have poofed into nothing!
I would recommend this to people who have children.
November 22, 2022
A selfish witch wants a child to teach and train. She creates a doll, but her creation is not satisfying. In a fit of anger, the witch turns all of the children into bare bushes. One day a girl finds the doll discarded in the witch's cottage. Her love gives life to the mannikin and melts the witch's spell.
Spooky illustrations and a meaningful theme make this picture book a solid four. Love does conquer all. And magic is no substitute for what is real. Read this book aloud at Halloween and ask, what is better, something substantial or magical/imaginary?
Surprisingly hard read for someone who cannot have children.
Spooky illustrations and a meaningful theme make this picture book a solid four. Love does conquer all. And magic is no substitute for what is real. Read this book aloud at Halloween and ask, what is better, something substantial or magical/imaginary?
Surprisingly hard read for someone who cannot have children.
March 25, 2017
This book is not child appropriate as far as I'm concerned. Maybe for older children? But I would put it in the fairy tales section rather than the regular stories collection. It's terrifying, and not in a "I know what the ending will be" way. It's like reading Hansel and Gretel for the first time and being like, they were kidnapped (or abandoned) and now they murdered someone. I guess that this is a lesson to be a good parent or your children will end up in jail.
August 28, 2017
This was a great, old-fashioned, scary fairy tale! It was a bit on the spooky side for my nervous 5 year old, but it had a great lesson (like most great fairy tales)! Nice to see a new, modern tale that would fit nicely with a classic Hansel and Gretel.
May 9, 2019
Read a book a day in May. Atmospheric. End papers illustrate the dark and the light. Love cannot be demanded, only given.
July 23, 2021
This one is really creepy. I wouldn't read it to younger kids. I liked it.
February 8, 2008
Evil witch wants a child, but can't have one (?) so she creates a creepy scarecrow-looking child out of leaves and cloth, but the doll remains an inanimate object. When the witch takes the child out to play with real children, the bewitched real children start tearing her apart!! Angered, the witch transforms the real children into thorny branches. In the end, another child (the last one left in town?) has the power to transform the doll into a living entity.
This is shelved in the picture books, but I thought it was a bit morbid for preschoolers. In fact, I'm wondering if the subject matter and treatment (the witch ends up in a fire) isn't more appropriate for early grade school children.
Overall, I'm not sure what I think about this book and would greatly welcome other opinions.
This is shelved in the picture books, but I thought it was a bit morbid for preschoolers. In fact, I'm wondering if the subject matter and treatment (the witch ends up in a fire) isn't more appropriate for early grade school children.
Overall, I'm not sure what I think about this book and would greatly welcome other opinions.
October 21, 2009
Grade/Interest Level: 2-5
This low-fantasy picture book highlights the supernatural, and features haunting illustrations that tell the tale of an evil witch named Rosina. Rosina is able to cast spells and can use magic for everything except bringing a straw doll to life. As the doll continues to remain lifeless, Rosina wreaks havoc on the children of the neighborhood until one girl finds the secret to making the doll come alive.
This low-fantasy picture book highlights the supernatural, and features haunting illustrations that tell the tale of an evil witch named Rosina. Rosina is able to cast spells and can use magic for everything except bringing a straw doll to life. As the doll continues to remain lifeless, Rosina wreaks havoc on the children of the neighborhood until one girl finds the secret to making the doll come alive.
January 12, 2011
A witch wants a child and creates one. Rosalie is made of straw and given life. But the other kids don't accept Rosalie. The witch takes revenge and turns the children into thorny bushes for treating her daughter poorly. When a little girl meets Rosalie and shows her love, Rosalie saves her from the wrath of the witch who would kill her new friend.
Creepy pictures. Elementary school age kids may enjoy an actually creepy picture book.
Creepy pictures. Elementary school age kids may enjoy an actually creepy picture book.
July 12, 2012
The cover was so promising, and it was on the bargain books shelf at Half Price Books for only $2, so I bought it without reading first. Sadly, the story is the typical "witch is bad, threatens to eat a child, gets burned up and everyone else lives happily ever after" spiel. I might donate this to the library or something, because I won't perpetuate this witch stereotype to the children in my life. It could have been scary and still had some redemption in the end. Too bad it didn't.
March 3, 2011
This book was an okay book. The classroom it was found in was too young for the book. Although is was an interesting book I would only make this available to read in older classroom. This would be a great book for students learning to write lengthy book reports. It is not to long but has plenty of substance to it.
October 18, 2014
This is a scary, but entertaining story about a witch who wanted a child. The narrative is dramatic, but the illlustrations really bring out the creepiness of the story.
The tale does not directly reference Halloween, but it's a great time of year to read the book. I would recommend this for older children, since the story is quite creepy. We enjoyed reading it together.
The tale does not directly reference Halloween, but it's a great time of year to read the book. I would recommend this for older children, since the story is quite creepy. We enjoyed reading it together.
February 21, 2008
This spooky little story would be a hair-raising tale for Children 8-10. Sensitive or overly imaginative children might be frightened by the horrible witch Rosina. Jos. A. Smith's richly detailed watercolor illustrations make the story come to life on the page.
December 9, 2013
Surprisingly creepy. I wouldn't recommend The Witch's Child for anyone younger than 5 or 6. Yes, the story is rather dark, but I found the images to be especially effective in conveying the horror. (The images are *creepy*!)
November 27, 2015
There wasn't anything about this that was particularly impressive to me, but my second graders loved it. Anytime there was free read time, they asked me to read it to them again. Definitely one of their favorites out of all the ones from the Halloween collection this year!
March 13, 2008
This book was a really cute story showing that even if you shower someone with gifts and other material possessions, it is never a substitute for love. The kids and I loved it.
May 19, 2008
seriously, I haven't read a more horrifying book in a long time. C-r-e-e-p-y in a way that isn't fun at all, especially for CHILDREN.
January 27, 2010
Good illustrations, a little moralizing, but a happy ending for all the kids.
November 10, 2010
This book is freaky and disturbing for kids (and adults). I don't know what the author and publisher was thinking.
October 25, 2011
This is a picture book but I found it a little freaky especially when I could be reading it to a young child. I didn't like it at all.
October 2, 2012
Sweet story of a mean witch who just wants a child, creates one out of rags and it comes to life. Collin LOVES this book.
November 23, 2012
Creepy.
I wonder why this is a childrens book.
And I know love is the answer and everything, but after Harry Potter that's getting to be a typical ending.
I did like the pictures though.
I wonder why this is a childrens book.
And I know love is the answer and everything, but after Harry Potter that's getting to be a typical ending.
I did like the pictures though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews