The Dark Witch is a cauldron full of "witchful thinking" from Canadian author and illustrator Graeme Bennett. It's a delightfully demented fairy tale written for modern audiences, where the usual tropes don't apply. Instead, we meet a prince who ends up being a rather slimy character and a powerful princess who takes command of an entire army.

It all begins in a faraway forest near the Phishmoors of Tyrolea, where a dark witch named Ranthara makes a secret pact with a king....

Key characters and themes

Key characters include a king and queen who long for a child and a wicked witch who tricks the king with a bad bargain. There's also an enchanted princess and a prince who is not exactly what he appears to be, a pair of cute dogs named Arfer and Wagsalot and Starlight, a magical horse. And an army of horrible tree monsters, too. Suitable for ages 8 to 12. Some fantasy violence.

Audience representation and inclusive themes

Audience: juvenile fantasy/horror enthusiasts. Female protagonist.