Under My Hat

Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2012:
Eighteen short tales about witches by some of the wickedest names in fantasy make for a rich anthology. . . . The writers are simply stellar: Ellen Kushner, Frances Hardinge, Charles de Lint, Tanith Lee, Ellen Klages and Holly Black, among others. Neil Gaiman's contribution is a witchy, weird poem. Garth Nix's "A Handful of Ashes" features a library and librarian. Delia Sherman's "The Witch in the Woods" is beautiful and romantic, with deer and bear shape-shifters and no small darkness. Jim Butcher has a Harry Dresden story ("B is for Bigfoot"), and it's terrific. Jane Yolen makes Hans Christian Andersen's life a tale itself, and Patricia McKillip's "Which Witch" makes loud music and crow magic elegantly. The best, however, may be Peter S. Beagle's "Great-Grandmother in the Cellar" (yes, she is, and she goes back there, too, but not the way she came, in this "Sleeping Beauty" variant). Readers will find much to enjoy. . . .
Booklist, October 1, 2012:
This 18-story anthology, featuring such notable authors as Garth Nix, Ellen Klager, Margo Lanagan, and Patricia McKillip, offers up an enjoyable witches' brew of tales. In Charles de Lint's "Barrio Girls," two teen fans of vamp fiction find the genre's glamour diminishes upon meeting a nasty, real-life bruja. Neil Gaiman's eloquently and evocatively written "Witch Work" explores the power of witchery, emotions, and nature. Jane Yolen's "Andersen's Witch" interweaves elements of the iconic author's life and writings into an inventive meta-tale. These mature, edgy stories feature supernatural elements and also deal with resonating themes, from bullying to self-discovery and self-determination. The mainly young adult protagonists, whether they encounter, become, or already are witches, find their lives transformed--and sometimes transform the lives of others--in diversely magical ways. Editor Strahan's introduction provides background and context for witches and witch ty