The Dark House of the Sea Witch

by Joan G. Robinson

On their own while their parents and housekeeper are away, Meg and her brother make the acquaintance of a neighbor they suspect is a witch.

Genres: Middle Grade

128 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1979

About the author

Joan G. Robinson (1910-88) trained as an illustrator and began writing and illustrating her own stories in 1939. Among her many stories for children are Mary-Mary, When Marnie Was There and the enduringly popular Teddy Robinson. Working closely with her husband, she published over thirty books in her lifetime, many of which were tried and tested on her own family. And her family sometimes found their way into her stories too - Teddy Robinson was a real teddy bear, belonging to Joan's own daughter, Deborah, who herself featured in the stories.

Also published as Joan Gale Thomas

Reviews

[Tiuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is good, wish it had gone on a bit longer. It only takes place over about 2 1/2 days. The story’s deeper meaning has to do with sibling relationships and feeling displaced or invisible because of other siblings. Also about the worry children feel when they can tell their parents have something they are keeping secret. And don’t worry parents, the Sea Witch isn’t really a witch though the author works hard for that implausibly creepy entrance Meg has into her house…the candles and white scarf and her brother staring transfixed lol. A bit over the top, but over quickly. She’s just a scatter brained artist. I hope I’ll still have the gumption to be adventurous and whimsical when I’m that age…though maybe not this eccentric…or hermitish.

[Capn]

Books for Keeps (2 May 1980) has:

The shifting borders between
love, jealousy, aggression and
protectiveness in the feelings
of a small girl for her baby
brother are tackled with
understatement and humour.
For under-10s.

[Zahraa]

Good

[Amy Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Joan G. Robinson. Wish I had discovered her earlier. This juvenile book was very satisfying. When I read her stories I am transported to another, simpler time; a time of childhood with only the worries of witches and the dark. I want to vacation on the staithe (beach) in England too. Too lovely!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. Pretty scary in parts.