Roald Dahl's The Witches is praised for its imaginative and darkly humorous storytelling, engaging both children and adults. The vivid characters and unique plot captivate readers, but some criticize it for potentially frightening younger audiences. The illustrations by Quentin Blake complement the text well, enhancing the overall experience.

Readers enchanted by the darkly whimsical tales of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or the eerie charm of Neil Gaiman's Coraline will revel in Roald Dahl's The Witches. Ideal for those aged 8 and up, it entertains with its imaginative storytelling and subtly macabre humor, perfect for young readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and suspense.

In Roald Dahl’s The Witches, a young boy and his grandmother discover a plot by witches to turn all children in England into mice. They embark on a mission to stop the witches' evil plan, ultimately confronting the Grand High Witch, the leader of them all. Themes include identity, family, and the battle between good and evil, infused with elements of fantasy. The book contains death of family members.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Fantastical / Playful

- The Witches was banned by some libraries and schools due to its portrayal of women and perceived misogyny, prompting discussions about gender representation in children's literature.
- In 1990, The Witches won the prestigious Whitbread Book Award for children's literature despite its initial controversy and mixed reviews.
- In the book, Roald Dahl avoided using common fairy-tale tropes, famously designing the witches to be mysterious creatures in disguise, which adds an element of suspense and thrills for young readers.

Roald Dahl

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Witches reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Witches | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Witches and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Witches Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Witches Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The Witches Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-9

The Witches Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-14

The Witches Chapters 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-18

The Witches Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-22

The Witches Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Witches Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Witches Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Witches Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Witches Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Witches Essay Topics

Introduction

The Witches Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Witches Before Reading

During Reading

The Witches During Reading

After Reading

The Witches After Reading

The Witches

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Witches?

Reading Age

Book Details