The Truth About Witches

by Eric Braun, Robert Squier (Illustrator)

Witches have charmed us for years in popular fairy tales. Have you ever wondered what witches look like? What do you think witches use to cast spells? Hop on your broom, and fly through the pages of this book to find out the truth about witches.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Eric Braun and illustrator Robert Squier explore the world of witches in this brief picture-book, part of Picture Window Books' Fairy Tale Superstar series. Establishing that witches are not real, the narrative runs through some of the common physical characteristics of the witches of story, as well as some of the things they like to do. Although noting that not all witches are evil—Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona and L. Frank Baum's Glinda are given as examples of good witches—for the most part the book concentrates on evil witches, and the havoc they cause in various famous tales. The book closes with a list of factors about witches, a glossary, index and list of further resources.

Because it is part of the Fairy Tale Superstar series, which also has titles focusing on everything from princesses to ogres, unicorns to dragons, I went into The Truth About Witches expecting that it would focus on witchy figures from fairy-tales, rather than addressing the wider topic of witches. This allowed me to enjoy what was presented, even though, as an examination of witches in general—whether in history, or in world folklore (as opposed to fairy-tales specifically)—it would fall rather short. I appreciated that it mentioned both classic fairy-tale authors like Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, as well as more modern writers like Tomie dePaola and J.K. Rowling. There were a few points of confusion that I think ought to have been cleared up, including the statement that goddesses like Circe, from Homer's The Odyssey , were akin to contemporary witches. Of course, Circe is a witch/sorceress figure, but calling her a goddess and then saying that goddesses are pretty much the same thing as witches, is inaccurate and odd—one wouldn't say the gods of any tradition were the same thing as wizards, surely? I think this section should have been worded more carefully, with the information that Circe was a sorceress/witch and a minor goddess, rather than making the claim, as the author did, that "a goddess is like a modern fairy-tale witch."

Leaving this aside, I did appreciate this as a very basic exploration of the witch figure, as she appears in stories with which young people—the audience for this title—might be familiar. The digital artwork from Squier is colorful and vivid, ably capturing many different witch-like figures. Recommended to young fairy-tale fans and readers who enjoy witchy fare, as a companion to their entertainment reading.

[May Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good, the bad, and the witches

This is a good compilation of known good and evil witches in literature…in pop culture in general. It made us reacquainted and, at the same time learn more about their role in the books and stories we know. A nice way of expanding the reading horizons, so to speak.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the pictures in this 32 page book are great and the pages are filled with information about witches. I loved looking at all the different faces and styles of witches throughout history which are geared towards children and the author was able to provide that. Geared more towards elementry children, this book will answer many basic questions for them plus the last page of the book has information on where they can go for more details about witches, with internet sites and more books to read listed out for them. The book itself has good information and in the written details the author include many movies and books that witches have played a role in and what type of role it was. From their behaviors, looks and then touching on some of the individual witch stories, that is what you will find inside these pages. Not a book I would read to a child at night before bed but a good book to show what a major part witches have played in fairy tales throughout the years. From Harry Potter to Little Mermaid to Snow White, everyone is familiar with an witch.

"Witches aren't always evil."

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book has short paragraphs describing witches throughout history as well as their roles in fairy tales and legends.