Here There Be Witches

by Jane Yolen

Book Overview

In this collection of stories and poems about witches, wizards, and warlocks, readers will encounter Baba Yaga, Merlin, the witch from Hansel and Gretel, a Native American shape-shifter, and others.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152003118
• ISBN13: 9780152003111
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
• Length: 116 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Dark and dreary... or not

"Here There Be Witches" is as enjoyable as its predecessors, a collection of short stories and poems concentrating on witches. As before, it ranges from humorous to chilling, thought-provoking and well-written."The Magic House" is a brief Hansel and Gretel poem. "Witch's Ride" is a grafting of a folktale and some real-life events, about a woman considered a witch who isn't one, and a witch who isn't considered one. "A Conversation Among Witches" is just that, a conversation between three witches. "Boris Chernevsky's Hands" is a SF/F story that includes the legendary Baba Yaga, about a young man whisked away by Baba Yaga in a giant mug. "Witch's Cat" is a self-description by a witch's cat. "The Passing of the Eye" is a hilarious glimpse of what happens when the hero Perseus is a little too polite to the three witches. "The Face in the Cloth" is a poignant story about a young princess whose life is overshadowed by her mother's deal with three witches. "When I Grow Up, by Michael Dee" is another funny story about a little boy who wants to be a warlock. "Pythagoras" was a little harder to understand, the apparent implication being that he was a wizard. "The Promise" tells of two young children, born in the same hour of two close friends, who are supposed to remain together, but who are threatened by an evil sorcerer. "Circles" is about when wishes are granted through a little magical ritual -- though not always the way that is wished for. "Weird Sisters" is about the Macbeth Witches. "The Woman Who Loved a Bear" is a Native American fable similar to "Cinderella." "When Love Came to Witch Alfre" describes the problems when a witch falls in love. "The Sword and the Stone" is an extremely enjoyable Arthurian tale about Merlin, a mysterious stranger, and a sword in a stone. "Witchfinder" is a story about a poor old woman accused of making cows dry up. "Witch Call" is a Wicca-themed poem. There are a few dead spots in this collection, but overall it is a highly enjoyable collection of short stories and poems. As with the books "Dragons" and "Unicorns," these will entertain with sprightly prose and original storytelling.

This book is fun for all ages!

This book is gorgeous! The illustrations are fantastic, and add to the magic of Yolen's writing. A perfect pairing of author and illustrator. The stories are varied, making this an excellent and interesting book for all ages. I checked it out at the library, and now want my own copy for my fifth grade classroom.