The Witch's Child (by Arthur Yorinks)

Rosina the witch wants a child and turns to magic to make her dream come true.

Arthur Yorinks is a frequent collaborator with Maurice Sendak and the men share a fascination with archetypal tales with fairy-tale elements and creepy stories that often give parents pause. While Sendak didn't join him for this story, Yorinks' fascination with the juvenile macabre is certainly on display here. It's difficult to figure out the intended audience for this creepy book about a witch who wants a child. It seems like a curiosity piece for kids old enough to want to be spooked since it's much too scary for anyone young enough to be reaching for picture books.

Jos Smith's illustrations perfectly suit the book: The story opens with the witch floating through crooked trees looking like any kid's worst nightmare. Yorinks is an adept storyteller and Smith is an effective illustrator, but this perfect marriage of author and illustrator just makes for a more frightening book. Read at your own risk and certainly vet before passing it on to the kids.