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Season of the Witch

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BfK No. 244 - September 2020
BfK 244 September 2020

This issue’s cover illustration is from Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!: An Animal Poem for Every Day of the Year edited by Fiona Waters and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. Thanks to Nosy Crow for their help with this September cover.
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By clicking here you can view, print or download the fully artworked Digital Edition of BfK 244 September 2020.

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Season of the Witch

Matt Ralphs
Illustrated by Nuria Tamarit
80pp, FICTION, PICTURE BOOK, 978-1912497539
8-10 Junior/Middle

Season of the Witch is a lively and well-rounded account of the role of magic in different cultures throughout history, from Ancient Mesopotamia to the present day. Narrative retellings of myths and folktales feature alongside historical and anthropological information, together with an exploration of superstition and belief.

From the Egyptian Book of the Dead and Baba Yaga via Japanese Hannya masks and Vodou to Gerald Gardner, founder of modern-day Wicca, the content is diverse, engaging and considered.

Tamarit’s illustrations have a ‘groovy Seventies’ aesthetic that will appeal to teens as well as older primary-age children, and Ralphs’ text is well-pitched for his target audience.

Magical beliefs are discussed throughout in a non-fiction context. Occasionally the boundary between reality and fiction becomes a little blurred, and some families may be uncomfortable with this aspect of the book. But for many readers, Ralphs’ lively and respectful approach to a complex subject will be welcomed. As he points out, “fewer people believe in magic these days” but it “still has a powerful hold on our imaginations.”

Season of the Witch is particularly recommended at Halloween (to provide depth, breadth and context) but will fascinate young readers all year round.

Reviewer: 
Carey Fluker Hunt
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