In many cultures and mythologies, witches are often portrayed as solitary creatures, living in secluded cottages deep in the woods. However, there is also a long-standing tradition of witch kinship, where witches come together in supportive communities to share their knowledge, resources, and experiences. This form of kinship among witches has been instrumental in creating a network of helpful and empowering connections. One aspect of witch kinship is the exchange of knowledge and skills. Witches who come together in these communities often have different areas of expertise, such as herbalism, divination, or spellcasting. By pooling their knowledge, they can learn from each other and expand their understanding of the craft.
A home-renovation project is interrupted by a family of wrens, allowing a young girl an up-close glimpse of nature.
The text suggests the strong bond built by this Afro-Latinx father and daughter with their ongoing project without needing to point it out explicitly, a light touch in a picture book full of delicate, well-drawn moments and precise wording. Haitian American author Doyon creates an affirming story, enhanced by Black illustrator Bowers use of bright colors, lots of bold, face-front images, and beautiful natural settings to positively portray dark skin, African physical features, and highly textured hair.
By pooling their knowledge, they can learn from each other and expand their understanding of the craft. This exchange of knowledge not only benefits the individual witches but also contributes to the preservation and growth of traditional and alternative forms of magic. Another important aspect of witch kinship is the support and camaraderie it provides.
MAGIC LIKE THAT
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence.
A 20-some–years-later companion to Natasha Tarpley’s I Love My Hair (1998).
A young, dark-skinned, brown-eyed Black girl declares, “My hair is magic,” as she smiles at her own image in a mirror while her puffy, freshly shampooed hair drips. While she cringes when her mother combs out her tangles to style her hair, she admires and appreciates the results. She then describes a plethora of hairstyles she wears that show the versatility of her Afro-textured hair. On each double-page spread, she likens her hair to something in nature: When she wears it loose, her hair resembles ocean currents; she compares her Bantu knots to the windswept desert; with colorful barrettes in it, her hair is “a cloudless sky on a winter night”; and her braids are “like long vines tumbling from a garden trellis.” After each simile comes the refrain: “My hair is [adjective] like that”—majestic, mischievous, stunning, elegant, etc. Haitian American author Doyon creates an affirming story, enhanced by Black illustrator Bowers’ use of bright colors, lots of bold, face-front images, and beautiful natural settings to positively portray dark skin, African physical features, and highly textured hair. Readers who enjoy Yesenia Moises’ Stella’s Stellar Hair (2021) and M.L. Marroquin and Tonya Engel’s My Hair Is Magic (2020) will find just as much to love in this book.
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 7, 2021
ISBN: 970-1-64379-070-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2021
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Samara Cole Doyon
- BOOK REVIEW
Witchcraft can be a solitary path, and many practitioners may feel isolated or misunderstood in their daily lives. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. In these communities, witches can discuss their experiences, seek advice, and find understanding without the fear of judgment or ridicule. Witch communities also often engage in collective rituals and celebrations. These gatherings allow witches to come together and harness their collective energy for healing, protection, or other shared goals. Whether it is a full moon ceremony or a seasonal celebration, these rituals can be powerful and transformative, enhancing the practices of individual witches and strengthening their bonds with each other and the natural world. Additionally, witch kinship often involves the sharing of resources and support during times of need. Whether it is lending a cauldron or offering a helping hand in spellcasting, witches within these communities are often there to assist each other. This spirit of mutual aid and generosity creates a sense of reciprocity and fosters a culture of giving within the witch community. In conclusion, witch kinship plays a vital role in the practice of witchcraft. By coming together in supportive communities, witches can exchange knowledge, find support and understanding, engage in collective rituals, and share resources. These bonds of kinship help create a network of helpful witches, empowering each other and collectively furthering the practice of the craft..
Reviews for "Witch Kinship and Mentorship: The Role of Experienced Witches in Guiding the Next Generation"
1. John - 1 star: I found "Helpful Witch Kinship" to be incredibly dull and uneventful. The plot was stagnant, the characters lacked depth, and the writing style was monotonous. I had high hopes for this book, given the promising premise, but I was sorely disappointed. It felt like a chore to get through each chapter, and by the end, I couldn't wait to put it down. Overall, I wouldn't recommend "Helpful Witch Kinship" to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating story.
2. Emily - 2 stars: While "Helpful Witch Kinship" had an interesting concept, the execution fell flat. The pacing was off, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed, unsatisfying resolutions. The characters were one-dimensional, lacking any real development or depth. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, which made it difficult for me to connect with the story. Ultimately, I felt disconnected from the narrative and found it hard to invest in the book. Sadly, "Helpful Witch Kinship" just didn't live up to its potential.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: "Helpful Witch Kinship" had potential, but it failed to deliver. The writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow the plot. The world-building was lacking, leaving many unanswered questions about the magical elements. The main character's motivations were unclear, and her actions often seemed illogical. Overall, the book felt messy and unfinished, leaving me unsatisfied and disinterested. I was hoping for an enchanting witchy tale, but instead, I was left disappointed and underwhelmed.