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Original poster

Witches in children's books

81 replies

TotorosFurryBehind · 24/09/2020 21:00

Now I'm a mother I feel really uncomfortable that it is acceptable to have witches in children's books. I feel like it's part of a historical tradition of vilifying and persecuting wise women and I don't understand why it's not seen in the same way as giving children Golliwog dolls to play with.

Is this feeling rational? I never used to feel this way before I had a daughter.

OP posts:
MondayYogurt · 24/09/2020 21:16

Historically yes, that seems accurate. Not a book but Kiki's Delivery Service gives the kind of slant to witches that I prefer.

teezletangler · 24/09/2020 21:16

I love Bethan Woolvin's retelling of Hansel and Gretel. The has made the witch good, but then the tables turn and H&G get their comeuppance because they are two little shits Grin it's utterly brilliant

My mother never liked me to read The Witches by Roald Dahl because she thought it was misogynistic. At the time I thought she was being ridiculous but now I can see her point.

Brandaris · 24/09/2020 21:08

Depends on the witch. I draw a lot of feminist inspiration from Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax. My daughter thinks I’m a witch as I can do ‘magic’.

But yes, the traditional witch stories are a bit grim, and not something I would choose to read to my children.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 24/09/2020 21:05

Not all witches are negative portrayals! Look at the Worst Witch, or the Harry Potter books.

Cailleach1 · 24/09/2020 21:04

Really loved 'Wicked'. Tells it from the witches perspective. Turned it around. Great song. too. "Defying Gravity'.

TheoneandObi · 24/09/2020 21:02

Aren't a lot of witches in children's books forces for good these days?