A Tangle of Spells
#3 of 4 in A Pinch of Magic Series
on Goodreads (1,603)
What’s inside...
Everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand. A dangerous spell has been cast over an unsuspecting village, with an enchanted painting locked away in a hidden room. The Widdershins, finally free from the gloom of Crowstone and starting anew, are faced with this new challenge in a seemingly idyllic village. The neighbors are acting strangely, afraid of the mention of magic. The Widdershins sisters discover a set of enchanted nesting dolls that render the user invisible and must use their wits and magic to break the spell over the village and save one of their own. They must race against time, but it is unclear if they have met their match this time. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.
Discussion points
What do you think made the Widdershins sisters so close to each other? How do your relationships with your siblings or friends compare?
How would you handle being in a new, mysterious place like Pendlewick? What would be your first steps?
The concept of magic plays a big role in the book. If you had a magical power, what would it be and why?
What lessons did you learn from the challenges that Betty faced? How would you apply these lessons to your own life?
Fear and courage are important themes in the story. Can you share a time when you were scared but decided to be brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ensure to use open-ended questions that prompt more than a yes or no response, encouraging the child to think deeply about the themes.
Relate the questions to the child’s experiences, making the themes of the book more relevant and personal.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, validating their feelings and encouraging them to expand on their ideas.
Engage in the story together, perhaps taking turns reading aloud, to make discussions feel like a natural extension of the shared reading experience.
Highlight the moral and ethical aspects of the characters' decisions to foster a deeper understanding of right and wrong.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'A Tangle of Spells', the characters face challenging situations that require bravery and perseverance to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand the value of facing their fears and the importance of resilience in overcoming personal challenges in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The significance of family and teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how family members support and rely on each other to navigate through magical dilemmas, emphasizing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the importance of cooperation and mutual support within their families and peer groups.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices and actions
Explanation: Characters in the book make decisions that lead to various outcomes, illustrating the impact of choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the potential results of their actions and the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Appreciating differences and diversity
Explanation: The story showcases interactions between characters with different backgrounds and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace diversity in their communities and learn to appreciate and learn from people who are different from themselves.
Example Lesson: The power of honesty and truth
Explanation: Through the plot, the virtue of being truthful is underlined as characters face consequences for deceit, highlighting honesty as the best policy.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of honesty in building trust and integrity in relationships both at home and school.