William and the Witch's Riddle

by Shutta Crum

A charming reimagining of Sleeping Beauty that “will appeal to younger middle grade readers who like fantasy, fractured fairy tales, and adventure” (School Library Journal)!   William and his little brother, Pinch, have been left alone at their home atop the mountain. When a witch named Morga shows up, William is forced to embark on a terrifying journey, the worst part of which is Morga herself. She has three riddles for William to solve, with only the help of an odd fellow who wakes up a different size every day and a tiny yellow dragon who can dream storms into reality.   Three riddles. Three chances to lift an ancient curse. Three chances to save his family.   Part fantasy and part fairy tale, and sprinkled with charming black-and-white illustrations, William and the Witch’s Riddle is a loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty and an adventure that’s just right for middle graders.   Praise for Shutta Crum’s Thomas and the Dragon  “Both heartwarming and full of surprises. . . . A must-read.” —School Library Journal, Starred review   “The quick pace, thrilling escapes, and subtly detailed medieval setting will all be appealing to early fantasy readers.” —The Bulletin   “A sure-fire hit as a read-aloud, this is an engaging book featuring a hero filled with bravery, quick wits, and heart.” —The Horn Book

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2016

About the author

Shutta Crum is bi-peninsular, spending half the year in Michigan and half the year in Florida. She is the author of three middle-grade novels and fifteen picture books, as well as many poems, magazine articles, and two poetry chapbooks for adults. Her books have made Bank Street College lists as well as state award lists. THUNDER-BOOMER! was an ALA and a Smithsonian Magazine “Notable Book” of the year. WHEN YOU GET HERE (poems for adults) won a gold Royal Palm Literary Award, (FL). She is also the author of two nearly wordless books MINE! and UH-OH! both published by Knopf. MINE! made the Texas 2X2 list and was a Crystal Kite Award winner for the illustrator Patrice Barton. Of MINE! the N. Y. Times said, “a delightful example of the drama and emotion that a nearly wordless book can convey.” In 2005 she was invited to read at the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. She is a retired librarian and now blogs regularly for the Florida Writers Association, writes a bimonthly column for the Fl. State Poetry Association magazine Of Poets & Poetry, and leads the Friday Follies writing group. In addition, she writes and publishes THE WORDSMITH’S PLAYGROUND, a monthly newsletter for writers. For more info: www.shutta.com

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first instinct upon beginning William and the Witch’s Riddle was that the illustrations didn’t quite match the tone of the book. Juxtaposing the dark themes of desperation and abandonment are pen and ink cartoon illustrations. Even the cover art suggests, if not a happy William, a confident one. My concern is that readers may pick up this book expecting a carefree, clever tale similar to Jack the Giant Slayer and instead get a story full of dark themes. The first few extremely short chapters find William and Pinch running for their lives as they are chased by giant worms that emit a noxious, burning gas that they can’t outrun. Pinch is bitten multiple times and William is forced to shove him into an icy river to keep the worms from eating him alive. Later, Pinch is killed by the Witch and is only revived when William agrees to fulfill an impossible task. The climax and resolution are predictable but satisfying. The Witch’s death might be somewhat gruesome for young readers, though. The wrap-up at the end mentions characters from Shutta Crum’s other book Thomas and the Dragon Queen, but readers unfamiliar with that title can still enjoy William and the Witch’s Riddle. I would recommend this book to teens ages 13 – 17, which may be a hard sell because of the child-like illustrations. Younger advanced readers might enjoy the magic and adventure, but be wary of the dark themes. (Reviewed by Meghann MacMillan)

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the right balance of shivery, heart-pounding action and original fairy tale, this is a fantastic classroom read-aloud/read-alone for grades 2 and up. Reading Shutta's work is like coming in close around the storyteller's fire. Pure delight.

[Deb Aronson · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun fairytale-based romp

[Judy E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

William, a young boy whose parents are missing, must solve the witch's riddle to protect himself and his little brother from being cursed. This fantasy was not a bad read, but I really did not like the illustrations and I don't think my students would like them either. More elaborate and classically drawn pictures would have fit this fairytale and enhanced the adventures!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story, one that is a kid pleaser. The young boy is the hero of the story. Good for high 2nd grader up to 4th.

[Laura Boldin-Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for middle graders interested in fairy tale retellings.

[Ms. Roberson - TMC Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Sleeping Beauty rendition for intermediate level readers!