Alcatoe and the Turnip Child
on Goodreads (183)
What’s inside...
Welcome to Plum Woods, where spells come alive and witches gather for the Annual Harvest Festival to celebrate the season! Perfect for fans of Aster and the Accidental Magic and Hilda. Alcatoe the town witch and the local children of Plum Woods are up to some witchy business, like casting spells and growing a prize-winning turnip. After their grouchy neighbor Mr. Pokeweed chases them out of his garden, the kids ask Alcatoe for help to win the Annual Harvest Festival Vegetable Pageant. Using cursed fruit salad and potions with unique ingredients, Alcatoe concocts the magic. However, when their prize-winning vegetable comes alive and becomes a friend, they must save it from becoming part of the feast. Will they manage to rescue Turnip Child in time?
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alcatoe
Harriet
Turnip Child
Discussion points
How do you think Alcatoe felt when she first found the Turnip Child?
What would you have done if you were in Alcatoe’s place?
Why is it important to help others, even if they are different from us?
What did Alcatoe learn by the end of the story?
How did the relationship between Alcatoe and the Turnip Child change throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child to predict what the story might be about just by looking at the cover.
While reading, pause at key moments and ask your child how they feel about the decisions characters make.
Encourage your child to express what they might have done differently if they were in the character’s situation.
After finishing the book, discuss with your child how the story could relate to their own life or situations they might face.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding, drawing parallels between the characters' experiences and real-life interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, the main character Alcatoe learns the significance of telling the truth after a series of events caused by a small lie. This helps her build trust with other characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that being honest helps build trust and strengthens relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Alcatoe faces various challenges but continues to try and solve them, teaching children that persistent efforts can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties whether it's solving a math problem or learning a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Alcatoe learns to understand and empathize with the Turnip Child, who is different from her. This helps cultivate a culture of acceptance and kindness.
Real-World Application: This can help children in appreciating diversity and being considerate towards peers who may be different from them.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Alcatoe and the Turnip Child work together to overcome obstacles, showcasing how collaboration can achieve goals that might seem impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in group activities and learning to cooperate with others in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Joy of exploration
Explanation: The story’s adventurous setting encourages curiosity and the thrill of exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore new topics in learning or to engage in creative play, fostering a sense of discovery.