Books › Under My Hat

Under My Hat
Tales from the Cauldron
432 pages
A bubbling cauldron of magical coming-of-age tales that feels like a crisp autumn evening.
What it feels like
Reading this anthology feels like wandering through an autumnal forest where every shadow holds a different kind of magic. Because it is a collection, the pace is brisk and varied, shifting effortlessly from whimsical and cozy to slightly wicked and atmospheric. The prose changes hands from one master of fantasy to the next, yet maintains a lyrical, folklore-infused quality throughout. It is an exploration of power, rebellion, and coming of age, wrapped in the comforting, spooky aesthetics of pointy hats and black cats. Readers who love feminist fairy tales and the crisp, crackling energy of Halloween will devour these stories, finding themselves enchanted by the myriad ways a witch can claim her own power.
- Mood
- autumnal
- cozy-spooky
- atmospheric
- magical
- Tone
- whimsical
- playful
- enchanting
- slightly wicked
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- claiming personal power · coming of age · the duality of magic · rebellion against tradition
- The writing
- A diverse tapestry of voices that leans heavily into lyrical, folklore-infused storytelling.
- The arc
- Moves from curious exploration of the unknown to a satisfying sense of empowerment and self-discovery.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love the crisp aesthetic of autumn and feminist reimaginings of classic fairy tale tropes.
Content notes
- mild fantasy violence
- bullying
About the book
Broomsticks. Black cats. Pointy hats. They can mean only one thing -- somewhere nearby, there is sure to be a witch. From fairy tale to film to contemporary fiction, witches cast their spells and capture our imaginations. Now the biggest names in fantasy and YA literature have come together to create a little magic of their own.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Under My Hat
See why they match
Witch WeekDiana Wynne JonesA sharply observed, darkly funny boarding school mystery where the magic is just as chaotic and terrifying as the social dynamics of middle school.
Room on the BroomJulia DonaldsonA bouncy, wind-swept ride that celebrates the magic of making space for just one more friend.
Hex AppealP. N. ElrodA chaotic, intoxicating collection of supernatural mayhem where magic always comes with a wicked twist.
Earwig and the witchDiana Wynne JonesA cheeky, unsentimental romp about a fiercely stubborn child who decides to boss around the monsters under the bed.
A Hat Full of SkyTerry PratchettA sharp, funny, and deeply wise exploration of growing up, where magic is less about waving wands and more about doing the hard, unglamorous work of knowing yourself.
The Dragon BookJack Dann and Gardner R. DozoisA fiery, multifaceted exploration of fantasy's most iconic creature across time and space.