The Witches: what to read next

The following titles showcase the kind of whimsical but utterly captivating storytelling that Roald Dahl is renowned for.

This graphic novel adaptation of Dahl’s original story captures the same exciting wickedness and humour as the original but offers an alternative format which bubbles and fizzes along with pace and humour. 

Featuring a trio of horrible aunts that Roald Dahl himself would be proud of, this wonderfully funny book follows 11-year-old Melanda Notwitch as she learns witchcraft to save herself from a life of servitude. With larger-than life, absurd characters and awesome black-and white illustrations throughout, this is a fabulous choice for fans of The Witches. 

Frank Junior inherits nearly half a million pounds on the condition that he looks after his grandpa – but Grandpa Frank has more thrilling ambitions than the average pensioner! With a similarly close child and grandparent relationship, Jenny Pearon’s hilarious and heart-warming story is full of slapstick humour and absurdity that will appeal to Roald Dahl aficionados.

Not all magic-wielders are as ghastly as the ones depicted in Roald Dahl’s The Witches. In the following stories, the magic and mythology of witchcraft is celebrated as children learn to harness ancient powers and triumph over adversity. 

The first book in a series whose publications have spanned 1974–2018 and numerous screen adaptations, no list of witchy books would be complete without mention of the clumsy but loveable Mildred Hubble – the worst witch ever to attend Miss Cackle’s Academy. While aimed at a slightly younger age range, this book is an entry point into a world of magic and fun which fans of the Witches may well enjoy.

In the Magic Isles, access to magical training seems to be reserved for the rich and powerful of society. But two strong female protagonists seek to change the system and break free from the shackles of stereotype. Dominique Valente’s book is a satisfying blend of magic, friendship and imaginative world-building.

Drawing on a range of global mythologies, this excellent middle-grade fantasy sees 11-year-old Vanya enter the world of Auramere where she must hone her skills and prepare to do battle with the monstrous Old Ones. With captivating descriptions and a richly detailed world, this book will appeal to those readers who enjoyed the more fantastical elements of The Witches.

One of the great strengths of The Witches is in its blending of delightfully dark, occult themes with humour and levity. Here, we have listed a few more titles that explore the macabre in playful and innovative ways.

This brilliantly written book turns the traditional fear and pursuit of vampires on its head as its three female protagonists pool their talents to cure vampires rather than kill them. There are genuinely spooky moments, and the overall tone is delightfully gothic, but this story offers a clever twist on the usual vampire story arc that readers will enjoy.

Just as in The Witches, this story begins with the death of the protagonist’s parents, but in Mallory’s case, this is not such a big deal as she has always been able to speak to ghosts. But when her parents are ghost-napped Mallory must team up with a wise-cracking, wig-wearing skull to rescue them. Dark, atmospheric and utterly hilarious.

Instead of hunting witches, join 12-year-old, history obsessed Relic Hamilton as he sets out on a whirlwind, around-the-world adventure to hunt and destroy villainous genies! Beautifully written by Joseph Coelho, this book boasts heaps of action, gadgetry and the ever-present threat of sinister genies.

The following recommendations are for readers who are looking for books with similarly chilling and exciting themes for a slightly older age range – be prepared for thrills!

Jack Mackay’s suspenseful horror involves a demonic babysitter hiding behind a veneer of perfection in much the same way as Dahl’s witches. Only 13-year-old Gwen’s resilience and ingenuity can unmask this sickly-sweet foe and reclaim her family’s ancestral home. Immersive, atmospheric and chilling.

The amazing Jennifer Killick strikes again with a haunting tale about a team of teens investigating rumours of a mysterious witch in the woods. This perfectly paced book is as funny as it is terrifying and is a great choice for a more contemporary, teen-focused witchy thriller with its zippy dialogue and character dynamics. 

Since the many wolf attacks on men and boys, no one from Red’s village is allowed in the woods, but Red, like her grandmother, is drawn to them. In the face of derision and suspicion from the townsfolk, she uncovers an explosive family secret that puts them all in danger. A slower, more contemplative read, but no less tense and atmospheric. This brilliant take on a familiar fairy tale weaves together themes of power, feminism, and looking after the environment.