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The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies
The Cyclops Witch never backs down from adventure or the medley of monsters she meets along the way. But one spooky night, the only thing in the world that gives her the heebie-jeebies walks right up to her door—and it’s not what you’re expecting. A timely tale of fear, prejudice and misunderstanding, The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies is the first picture book collaboration from Kyle and Derek Sullivan, the author/illustrator team behind the beloved Hazy Dell Press Monster Series of children’s board books.
52 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2019
1 person is currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Sullivan
23 books32 followersKyle Sullivan's board books, picture books and middle-grade chapter books have sold more than 150,000 copies worldwide. Featuring monsters and themes from world myths and folklore, Kyle's books promote empathy, inclusivity and imagination, while appealing to parents, guardians, and teachers as much as they appeal to young readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 2, 2020
The Cyclops Witch wasn't afraid of any of the denizens of Hazy Dell, from the Hobgoblin to the Mothman. She lived a mostly carefree life with her best friend, Lenore the raven, until the day that the one thing she did fear - namely, children - appeared on her doorstep. Hatching a plot to scare the children away by leading them into Hazy Dell and exposing them to the various monsters there, she discovered to her chagrin that the child were unafraid and undeterred, continuing to pursue her. It is only when they all end up in the tentacles of the Sea Beast, that Cyclops Witch learns that the children, AKA the Heebie Jeebies, are on a mission to help her conquer her fears...
The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies is the first full-sized picture-book from Kyle and Derek Sullivan, twin brothers and co-founders of the Hazy Dell Press, a small independent publishing company based in the Pacific Northwest. They have previously produced a series of board books about the monstrous denizens of Hazy Dell. I found the story here entertaining, and the message about conquering one's fears and not prejudging others welcome. That said, I think the story would have worked better if it had concluded with the Cyclops Witch realizing her mistake, and befriending the Heebie Jeebies. The final portion, in which she too sets out to help others, while very much in keeping with the didactic purpose of the book, makes the story feel too overtly message-driven, and feels a little redundant, from a narrative perspective. The rhyming text itself worked fairly well, save for a few stumbles, where it became rather awkward. I appreciated the reference to Edgar Allan Poe, in the form of Leonore the raven, and found the artwork cute, in a cartoon-like way. All in all, despite my small criticisms, this was an engaging new witchy picture-book - an interest of mine! - and I look forward to seeing more from the Sullivan brothers.
The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies is the first full-sized picture-book from Kyle and Derek Sullivan, twin brothers and co-founders of the Hazy Dell Press, a small independent publishing company based in the Pacific Northwest. They have previously produced a series of board books about the monstrous denizens of Hazy Dell. I found the story here entertaining, and the message about conquering one's fears and not prejudging others welcome. That said, I think the story would have worked better if it had concluded with the Cyclops Witch realizing her mistake, and befriending the Heebie Jeebies. The final portion, in which she too sets out to help others, while very much in keeping with the didactic purpose of the book, makes the story feel too overtly message-driven, and feels a little redundant, from a narrative perspective. The rhyming text itself worked fairly well, save for a few stumbles, where it became rather awkward. I appreciated the reference to Edgar Allan Poe, in the form of Leonore the raven, and found the artwork cute, in a cartoon-like way. All in all, despite my small criticisms, this was an engaging new witchy picture-book - an interest of mine! - and I look forward to seeing more from the Sullivan brothers.
December 18, 2020
This is a heartwarming tale of monsters with irrational fears but it is also about lending a hand to help others overcome them. It wasn’t only the Cyclops Witch that needed a kind helping hand but more monsters than she thought. My daughter (nearly 3) loved this rhyming adventure that touches on so much more than the synopsis. This is my third title for my daughter from Hazy Dell, Kyle Sullivan, and Derek Sullivan – I love their heart-warming “monster” tales that are full of important lessons for kids and some inside humor for adults to enjoy.
The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies would be a perfect pre-Halloween gift for young readers. The content other than the monster characters is not based on or around the holiday so it would make a good year-round title as well. I would highly recommend it for young readers who enjoy monsters and/or as a Halloween title. It is a little long for a nearly three-year-old but she still loved the story and I think children a little bit older would understand the theme of the story a little more. A big thank you to Hazy Dell and Amazon Vine for the opportunity to share yet another fantastic title with my daughter – all opinions are my own. *Rounded from 4.5 stars*
The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies would be a perfect pre-Halloween gift for young readers. The content other than the monster characters is not based on or around the holiday so it would make a good year-round title as well. I would highly recommend it for young readers who enjoy monsters and/or as a Halloween title. It is a little long for a nearly three-year-old but she still loved the story and I think children a little bit older would understand the theme of the story a little more. A big thank you to Hazy Dell and Amazon Vine for the opportunity to share yet another fantastic title with my daughter – all opinions are my own. *Rounded from 4.5 stars*
November 11, 2021
I loved the Hobgoblin with the fire extinguisher. It’s a small detail but on top of that, this story is fun to read aloud and gave my 4 year old and me something to flip back the pages and think about.
The art was also fun to follow, I love the expressions on the cyclops witch.
Also, bonus points for including Mothman.
The art was also fun to follow, I love the expressions on the cyclops witch.
Also, bonus points for including Mothman.
December 22, 2020
Oh my god! This is too cute! I There are amazing characters and these kids are the best type of weirdo! love it!
June 19, 2019
These are just personal preferences, but:
- I didn't care for the cadence of the rhyme. It jumped around a lot.
- The book could have made the point of the story in a lot fewer pages.
The illustrations were good. I just wasn't keen on the story.
- I didn't care for the cadence of the rhyme. It jumped around a lot.
- The book could have made the point of the story in a lot fewer pages.
The illustrations were good. I just wasn't keen on the story.
July 18, 2019
If I could just rate the illustrations, this would be a 4-star book. But the story just kept going, and that many pages of rhyming makes me gag.
April 12, 2019
With witty, bouncing rhymes and endlessly delightful art, The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies is another must-read title from Hazy Dell Press. The first picture book from twin brothers Kyle and Derek Sullivan, it tells the story of an almost-fearless witch who must face the one thing in the world that scares her: children. As she learns to overcome her fears and prejudices, she discovers the joy of helping others and gains valuable new friendships, showing readers that kindness and open-mindedness are the paths to true bravery and happiness.
The story is as adorable as it is hilarious, and Kyle Sullivan’s verse is superb. The meter is musical and energetic, propelling the story through its many joyful twists. Sullivan provides just enough metrical variety to give the narrative an organic flow, complete with dramatic pauses to heighten tension and emphasize important character moments, without making it an awkward read. This is an ideal book for readalouds. I’m not sure who would have more fun with it, the adult (or older child) reading the story or the kids listening to it.
While this would indeed be a perfect readaloud, it’s also a great picture book for independent reading. Older kids will appreciate the message of fighting fear and prejudice, and they’ll delight in the pop culture references — including Edgar Allan Poe, The Wizard of Oz, and David Bowie — that may go over the heads of younger readers. (Please forgive me if that’s condescending. If your 5-year-old is cool enough to recognize Aladdin Sane, then kudos to whoever turned them into such a tiny little rock star.)
Derek Sullivan’s wicked sense of humor and sharp eye for detail are on full display in his illustrations. When the leprechaun defeats his stage fright and performs in front of a packed theatre, a silhouette of the audience shows us a sea of wee little leprechaun hats. And I still giggle every time I see Mothman dreamily stargazing with the Heebie-Jeebies like they’re all talking about what they want to be when they grow up.
Sullivan’s characteristically gentle color palette of woodsy greens and browns works particularly well for this story — since so much of the narrative focuses on the Cyclops Witch’s battle with her fear, it’s important to have soothing colors that reinforce the idea of alleviating or eliminating anxiety.
The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies is a stellar addition to the lovably quirky Hazy Dell Press lineup. Its sweet, engaging illustrations perfectly complement the charming, hilarious verse to create an important and enjoyable story about facing your fears, overcoming prejudice, and showing kindness to others. I’ve come to expect greatness from Derek and Kyle Sullivan with every new title, and this book exceeded those expectations with humor and heart.
My thanks to Hazy Dell Press and Edelweiss+ for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is as adorable as it is hilarious, and Kyle Sullivan’s verse is superb. The meter is musical and energetic, propelling the story through its many joyful twists. Sullivan provides just enough metrical variety to give the narrative an organic flow, complete with dramatic pauses to heighten tension and emphasize important character moments, without making it an awkward read. This is an ideal book for readalouds. I’m not sure who would have more fun with it, the adult (or older child) reading the story or the kids listening to it.
While this would indeed be a perfect readaloud, it’s also a great picture book for independent reading. Older kids will appreciate the message of fighting fear and prejudice, and they’ll delight in the pop culture references — including Edgar Allan Poe, The Wizard of Oz, and David Bowie — that may go over the heads of younger readers. (Please forgive me if that’s condescending. If your 5-year-old is cool enough to recognize Aladdin Sane, then kudos to whoever turned them into such a tiny little rock star.)
Derek Sullivan’s wicked sense of humor and sharp eye for detail are on full display in his illustrations. When the leprechaun defeats his stage fright and performs in front of a packed theatre, a silhouette of the audience shows us a sea of wee little leprechaun hats. And I still giggle every time I see Mothman dreamily stargazing with the Heebie-Jeebies like they’re all talking about what they want to be when they grow up.
Sullivan’s characteristically gentle color palette of woodsy greens and browns works particularly well for this story — since so much of the narrative focuses on the Cyclops Witch’s battle with her fear, it’s important to have soothing colors that reinforce the idea of alleviating or eliminating anxiety.
The Cyclops Witch and the Heebie-Jeebies is a stellar addition to the lovably quirky Hazy Dell Press lineup. Its sweet, engaging illustrations perfectly complement the charming, hilarious verse to create an important and enjoyable story about facing your fears, overcoming prejudice, and showing kindness to others. I’ve come to expect greatness from Derek and Kyle Sullivan with every new title, and this book exceeded those expectations with humor and heart.
My thanks to Hazy Dell Press and Edelweiss+ for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2019
Have any readers who love spooky characters, but don't want a really scary story? Young readers who are always asking for stories with cryptids or legendary creatures? Try the Cyclops Witch with them. This is a brave witch who isn't frightened by much. But one night something comes to her door that makes her "shiver, quiver, and twitch." (I love how those words are shadowed on the page so that they really seem to be quivering.) It seems that although winged monkeys and ice trolls might not scare her, she is very afraid of ... kids!
So she comes up with a plan to frighten the children away, using all the fearsome creatures that live nearby. When her plan doesn't work out quite as she expects, the Cyclops Witch may need courage to face this troop of scouts that have found her.
It turns out that once you overcome your own fear, you might just be able to help others overcome theirs. As the kids explain, "While not all fears are bad, some can get out of hand - sometimes we're just scared because we misunderstand." That's a good lesson for all of us.
The illustrations are vibrant and full of creatures like the mothman, leprechauns, pumpkin heads, and sea monsters. The children are a mix of genders and ethnic backgrounds. The witch also has a raven friend named Lenore who always notices when someone comes tapping at the door.
Besides satisfying the craving for "monsters" without being a scary book, the story also does a good job of showing that sometimes fears are unfounded or blown out of proportion. Good for elementary readers.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher.
So she comes up with a plan to frighten the children away, using all the fearsome creatures that live nearby. When her plan doesn't work out quite as she expects, the Cyclops Witch may need courage to face this troop of scouts that have found her.
It turns out that once you overcome your own fear, you might just be able to help others overcome theirs. As the kids explain, "While not all fears are bad, some can get out of hand - sometimes we're just scared because we misunderstand." That's a good lesson for all of us.
The illustrations are vibrant and full of creatures like the mothman, leprechauns, pumpkin heads, and sea monsters. The children are a mix of genders and ethnic backgrounds. The witch also has a raven friend named Lenore who always notices when someone comes tapping at the door.
Besides satisfying the craving for "monsters" without being a scary book, the story also does a good job of showing that sometimes fears are unfounded or blown out of proportion. Good for elementary readers.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher.
March 21, 2019
Cyclops Witch is only afraid of one thing: KIDS! And guess who comes tromping up to her front door? That's right, KIDS! Desperate to escape their wild and mean natures, their tickling, rough-housing, pinching and biting, she sends them on a wild goose chase through Hazy Dell. But what happens at the end of that chase isn't exactly what Cyclops Witch expected.
A very cute tale for those who love spooky stories. I really enjoyed this tale, especially the imaginative creatures that live in Hazy Dell. The illustrations are reminiscent of a Cartoon Network show and pop off the page with cute, round life. The story is cute, though not every rhyming line scans perfectly, making it a potentially difficult read aloud, and it runs a little long. In spite of this, many children will be looking forward to the adventures of Cyclops Witch.
Thanks to Hazy Dell Press and Consortium for my galley.
A very cute tale for those who love spooky stories. I really enjoyed this tale, especially the imaginative creatures that live in Hazy Dell. The illustrations are reminiscent of a Cartoon Network show and pop off the page with cute, round life. The story is cute, though not every rhyming line scans perfectly, making it a potentially difficult read aloud, and it runs a little long. In spite of this, many children will be looking forward to the adventures of Cyclops Witch.
Thanks to Hazy Dell Press and Consortium for my galley.
March 17, 2019
A delightful rhyming story about Cyclops Witch and her (pet? pal?) raven, Lenore. The Witch isn't afraid of anything... except children.
As always, Hazy Dell delivers a fun take on a classic "monster" with a great lesson for kids - in this case, that sometimes we fear things because we don't understand them or know the facts, and it's good to help others overcome their fears. The illustrations are once again fantastic - bright colors, lots of rounded edges (there are a few "scary" creatures in this book, but none are drawn to be scary). Plus, plenty of little details to catch on multiple readings.
I bumped one star for 1-2 pretty advanced words, mainly "blitzed." But otherwise, this is a solid tale with not-too-tricky vocabulary. Plus the little E.A. Poe winks are a nice touch that adults can pick up on.
As always, Hazy Dell delivers a fun take on a classic "monster" with a great lesson for kids - in this case, that sometimes we fear things because we don't understand them or know the facts, and it's good to help others overcome their fears. The illustrations are once again fantastic - bright colors, lots of rounded edges (there are a few "scary" creatures in this book, but none are drawn to be scary). Plus, plenty of little details to catch on multiple readings.
I bumped one star for 1-2 pretty advanced words, mainly "blitzed." But otherwise, this is a solid tale with not-too-tricky vocabulary. Plus the little E.A. Poe winks are a nice touch that adults can pick up on.
March 16, 2019
Another Hazy Dell hit! A scary good story that teaches young readers about having compassion and facing our fears. It helps us realize that what we fear is never actually what it seems, and that we should always look at things from another angle. While the book may seem a bit long, and may require a greater attention span to reach the end, the adorable illustrations provide plenty of eye popping surprises for kids to take in on every page. The characters show an abundance of diversity, both monster and human alike. I am so glad the Sullivan brothers decided to venture into the picture book realm. This will be widely recommended to all who enter the children’s department at EHBC!
December 13, 2020
I love it!!
Cyclops Witch isn't scared of any of the other creatures that live in Hazy Dell (I love that they made it a place) and the surrounding areas. Cyclops Witch is scared of just one thing.... Children! But these children are Heebie Jeebie scouts, set out to help others conquer their fears. Soon the witch conquers hers and helps others as well.
I tell you what, the way I had to put the book down and squee for a minute when we got to the first knock on the door--tapping and "Tis some visitor" and "quoth the raven, Lenore" !!!!!! Ugh, Poe references. I love it.
A lovely story about friendship and facing fears. Yay.
Cyclops Witch isn't scared of any of the other creatures that live in Hazy Dell (I love that they made it a place) and the surrounding areas. Cyclops Witch is scared of just one thing.... Children! But these children are Heebie Jeebie scouts, set out to help others conquer their fears. Soon the witch conquers hers and helps others as well.
I tell you what, the way I had to put the book down and squee for a minute when we got to the first knock on the door--tapping and "Tis some visitor" and "quoth the raven, Lenore" !!!!!! Ugh, Poe references. I love it.
A lovely story about friendship and facing fears. Yay.
July 30, 2019
Cyclops Witch isn't afraid of monsters; she lives with monsters. Cyclops Witch is afraid of ... children (oooh, *scary noises*)! So when a scout troop (boys and girls) shows up at her door, she runs out the back. But they follow her. She tries to put the other scary denizens of monster town between herself and the scouts, but nothing seems to stop them.
This book has a higher page count than most picture books. So, even though it's not wordy, it got tedious. I like the art, though.
This book has a higher page count than most picture books. So, even though it's not wordy, it got tedious. I like the art, though.
February 21, 2021
The Cyclops Witch is only scared of one thing, and when it comes right up to yer front door, she goes to great lengths to avoid dealing with it. This sweet book has a spoopy cool art style, a great message about not.letting irrational fears control you, and only one awkward rhyme in an entire book of well-written verse that doesn't pander to its audience.
March 22, 2019
This was a super cute book! My boys and I enjoyed reading it. Even though the format was a bit wonky, they enjoyed the book, and asked for a copy when it comes out!
Join the adventure of the Cyclops Witch as she overcomes her fears and maybe makes some new friends!
Join the adventure of the Cyclops Witch as she overcomes her fears and maybe makes some new friends!
June 14, 2019
Another win from Hazy Dell press. Gorgeous art and a fun story make this a great picture book. My (almost) two your old actually sat still and listened to the whole story so that is really saying something!
And I appreciate the detailed art and positive message of the story.
And I appreciate the detailed art and positive message of the story.
December 7, 2019
So cute! I looooove everything Hazy Dell Press has put out so far, but this one is by far the best and also the longest. A great story about unlikely friendships, overcoming our fears, and learning to be helpful to others.
March 25, 2020
It was okay. Kind of cute, and could maybe help kids not be afraid of witches and other normally scary creatures.
One could use it to teach kids to confront their fears, or at least the irrational ones.
One could use it to teach kids to confront their fears, or at least the irrational ones.
May 14, 2019
Really cute tale about helping friends overcome their fears.
June 4, 2019
Great reads, great illustrations, great messages. We love these books!
June 18, 2019
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
August 25, 2019
A very cute book about overcoming your fears. This would make a great read aloud around Halloween.
February 19, 2020
A sweet story about overcoming fears with adorable illustrations. Bonus that it's the monsters who suffer from debilitating fears, and it's the Heebie-Jeebies, a team of kids, who come to the rescue.
September 9, 2020
I bought this book for the illustrations but found myself really enjoying the rhyming story of a witch who is terrified of children.
September 16, 2020
This story is about helping others overcome their fears.
September 22, 2020
Great for reminding kids it's okay to be scared and be yourself
December 22, 2020
This is one of my books of the year!
A super cute story with spookily special illustrations and wonderful characters.
Would LOVE to be a part of this gang.
A super cute story with spookily special illustrations and wonderful characters.
Would LOVE to be a part of this gang.
October 21, 2021
Cute story that mostly rhymes.
December 31, 2021
3.5
Not the smoothest rhyming pattern
Not the smoothest rhyming pattern
September 25, 2022
I love this one! The witch’s bird helps her overcome her fears and this inspires her to help others. It’s a really fun book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews