The book begins with a description of REAL WITCHES, who may, in fact, look like everyday people. The narrator discusses the loss of his parents, and going to live with his grandmother. His grandmother warns him about witches, as they have caused five children (that she knows of) to disappear. She gives him lessons about how to recognize witches, about The Grand High Witch of All the World. He runs into a convention of witches, who plan on making every child disappear. They turn the narrator into a mouse, and he succeeds in stealing their evil potion, thereby turning all of the witches into mice. The story ends with the narrator and his grandma making plans to conquer all of the witches in the world. Sketches are scattered throughout the text, and the prose is simplistic enough for elementary-age children without being patronizing. The sketches do not add to the text, but reinforce the elements of the story.

The Witches is actually a highly popular book, especially among readers in grades four and five. Children love the tension between obviously recognizing good and evil, and the drama that brings. Dahl's writing is accessible without being pedantic. ( )

i liked dis book cuz....its cool an intreasting book bout witches even if daye aint real ( )

a world of witchs and a kid has to escape them and help his grandma from danger ( )