Aunt Nasty (Early Reader)
#3 of 89 in Yellow umbrella books for early readers. Series
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Early Readers are designed to bridge the gap between picture books and reading books. A blue Early Reader is ideal for reading together, while a red Early Reader signifies progression in the reading journey. The story revolves around Aunt Nasty's visit, who is not your typical aunt - she is a witch! This spooky and magical story, written by award-winning author Margaret Mahy and illustrated by Chris Mould, is a full color Early Reader edition of a classic tale.
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when Aunt Nasty came to visit? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways the characters in the story tried to solve their problems? Do you think those were good solutions?
Aunt Nasty is a unique character with her own way of doing things. What makes her different from others, and what can we learn from her?
How did the characters' feelings about Aunt Nasty change throughout the story? What events led to those changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, altering your voice for different characters to make the reading session more dynamic and engaging.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This helps children process the story creatively and makes the themes more memorable.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story. This engages their imagination and anticipatory skills, deepening their connection to the narrative.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story with your child. This not only improves comprehension but also allows for the development of personal values and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In the book 'undefined,' Aunt Nasty demonstrates kindness by helping a sad neighbor feel better. This teaches children the value of being compassionate towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by offering help or a kind word to their peers or family members when they see someone in distress.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Throughout the story, Aunt Nasty interacts with various characters who are different from her in many ways. This subplot emphasizes the importance of accepting and valuing everyone's unique traits.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child's life by encouraging them to make friends with peers who might look, speak, or behave differently and learn from their experiences.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Aunt Nasty faces many challenges in 'undefined,' such as fixing a broken toy. She uses her intelligence and creativity to find solutions, showcasing effective problem-solving methods.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson by approaching their own challenges, like disagreements with friends or difficulties in schoolwork, with creative solutions rather than giving up.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: The character of Aunt Nasty brings laughter and joy to tough situations, demonstrating how humor can be a powerful tool for dealing with life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember this when they are in a difficult situation; sometimes, finding something to laugh about can make things seem a little easier.