Barbee Oliver Carleton (1917–2015)

A poor young farmer with a dreamy soul, Cobbie Bean hadn't the gift of getting, as his wealthy cousin Captain Bean did, nor the gift of doing, as his famous cousin Deacon Bean did. Castigated by these relations for his laziness and lack of ambition, Cobbie was warned that he might just be bewitched. After all, hadn't a cat in witch's hat and cloak come to his christening, giving him (of all things!) the gift of happiness? It wasn't long after this warning that Cobbie met the very cat in show more question, and through the machinations of this magical feline, became a wealthy gentleman who spread happiness throughout the town of Salem, Massachusetts. Envy is a powerful force however, and when Cobbie breaks his word about never revealing the magical source of his newfound wealth, he soon finds himself accused of witchcraft. Would his remarkable feline be able to save him, and if so, what price would she have to pay...?

Originally published in the pages of Jack and Jill magazine in 1956, The Wonderful Cat of Cobbie Bean was published on its own by the Philadelphia-based John C. Winston Company in 1957, with the accompanying artwork of artist Jacob Landau. It was subsequently included in the Arrow Book of Ghost Stories anthology, edited by Nora Kramer and published in 1960. I was excited to read this story, after finding it on a list of witchy picture books—a particular pet project of mine—especially as I greatly enjoyed author Barbee Oliver Carleton's atmospheric children's mystery, The Witches Bridge (also known as Mystery of the Witches' Bridge). I was in no way disappointed. Although an original story, this had the flavor of a folktale, with the two cousins, the magical cat, the unexpected transformation of the hero, and the last-minute rescue. The story is engrossing, and I suspect it would have been a favorite, if I had read it as a child. The accompanying artwork from Landau, done in black and white with alternating green and orange washes, was likewise fascinating, and very expressive. I appreciated the hatching in these pictures, and their fluid sense of movement, throughout. Although the artwork is significant enough that I wouldn't call it a mistake to label this a picture-book, it is very text heavy, and even has chapters. If anything, it's more of a profusely illustrated short story, in picture-book format. Recommended to young fantasy and fairy-tale fans who enjoy magical, witchy fare. show less

Orphaned and alone, young Dan Pride returns to his ancestral home near York, Massachusetts, hoping to build a new sense of family with his Uncle Julian, and to find a place where he belongs. But as Dan quickly discovers, Pride's Point, surrounded by the great salt marshes outside of town, is not a happy place. Haunted by the curse of Samuel Pride - a Puritan ancestor falsely accused of witchcraft, and executed by pressing - it is still locked in the bitter injustices of the past. Dan's show more grandfather - another Daniel Pride - had tried to lay those ghosts, and had died mysteriously in the marsh, leaving his son embittered and alone. Could Dan, a newcomer and a boy, solve the mystery of the witches' bridge, and free the Prides from the burden of mistrust and old feuds...?

The Witches' Bridge, subsequently published in paperback as Mystery of the Witches' Bridge, is an immensely satisfying children's novel, on a variety of levels. As a story of suspense, it keeps the reader's attention, and although I guessed a few of the developments ahead of time, I was still absorbed. The characters and conflicts feel real, and have true emotional power. I sympathized with Dan's anger, Pip and Gilly's natural reticence, and Uncle Julian's bitterness. Carleton does an excellent job of conveying Dan's sense of loneliness and displacement, as in this scene:

"The boy frowned at his plate. Which of his troubles should he share with his uncle? There might not soon be another chance. Yes, Uncle, he could say, I am troubled because I have heard and seen a black devil dog that does not exist. And because I have no other family but you, and you don't want me. I'm troubled because people think that we Prides are -- queer. And because there is something dreadful here at Pride's Point that I don't understand - something that is destroying you and may hurt me, too. And I'm troubled because -- I am afraid of you.
He could not, of course say these things."

The ways in which words fail us, our inability - especially as young people - to fully express our feelings, or even to decide which feelings to express, is something the author seems to understand. That understanding, which Carleton brings to bear in her story - here, and in the scenes involving Dan and the maimed dog Caliban - creates a truly powerful narrative.

Suspenseful and poignant, The Witches' Bridge is also a thoughtful exploration of the ways in which we relate to the past - how it influences us, and how we negotiate with it. This feeling - that the past itself is a kind of presence, a haunting - characterizes many of the great time-slip adventure stories, from Ruth M. Arthur's many excellent novels, to Mary Waldorf's Thousand Camps. As the gentle hermit Lamie says: "They have not gone, you know, those good people. You see them in the ditches dug in the marsh, and in the cellar holes below...They are still here, our first people."

All in all, this was a fabulous book, enjoyable and moving, and I thank my friend Jammies for recommending it. I can certainly understand why it was one of her childhood favorites! One word to the wise: if you are reading this for the first time, try to locate the hardcover edition: the cover illustrations are done by Edward Gorey! show less

Wow! I’d have loved this when I was 8,9, or 10 (it was published when I was 7 or 8) but I’m virtually certain this is the first time I’ve read it. I found it thanks to GR friend Kathryn. Either my school and public library didn’t have it back then or I skipped it because of the boy character(s) and that would have been a shame because the two boys and a girl have equally good roles, and they’re all wonderful. It’s a good “boy” AND a “girl” book.

The story is charming and show more fun, suspenseful, heartwarming, full of adventure and family and friendship. It’s well written and it’s a riveting and well-crafted story. The characters are well developed too, and I had strong feelings about most of them. The mystery is very good, and I was actually surprised by the end, pleasantly surprised. The chapter titles are useful and a tad bit red herring like at times, but I enjoyed that. The illustrations are top notch a lovely to view, and they really enhance the story. The whole book is so evocative and there is some interesting historical information in it as well. There was room open for a sequel and I wish there had been one.

I’d have torn through this book, then and now, if I could have taken the time. It could easily be read in one day.

I admit all the lobstering talk was a bit much for me and I’d recommend it to vegan/vegetarian (and kosher keeping?) children only along with some explanations. But why it almost got only 4 stars from me is I had a hard time understanding the decisions and motivations of a few characters a few times. I think I might be the one wanting here though, so I’ll ask the only other person I know who’s read it to tell me her take.

It wasn’t until I read the author bio at the end of the book that I realized the author was a woman and not a man. it hardly matters but I found that interesting.

There is only one copy of this book in the entire LINK+ system my library uses (many public, university, and private libraries in California and Nevada) and this copy belongs to San Jose State University. Given what a gem it is it really should be more available, and I fervently hope this copy stays in circulation. I feel lucky that I was able to borrow it. show less

Started out slow for the first thirty-some pages, then picked up and took off! I couldn't put the book down after that. I was immersed in the salt marshes of Pride's Point, the feud between the Prides and the Bishops, the weird sounds and lights in the night, etc. etc. This was an unexpected good read.