Broom for Two
What’s inside...
The book 'Broom for Two' by Jennifer Maruno is a delightful tale that follows the adventures of two unlikely friends who share a magical broom. As they navigate their differences and work together, they embark on a journey filled with magic, challenges, and self-discovery. Friendship and empathy charm as a little witch learns to fly on a not-so-perfect broom. While practicing for her flying test, Little Witch sometimes forgets her broom in places she shouldn't. By the time she finds her broom in the woods by Ramshackle Rat's house, the broom has been chewed and bent. When Little Witch tries to fly home, the broom is sinking, spinning, and bumping along. Unable to fix her broom, Little Witch must find a way to pass her test despite her setbacks. With help from an unlikely friend, Little Witch may find a way to soar again. Celebrated author Jennifer Maruno enchants readers with her expressive and rhythmic text, while award-winning illustrator Scot Ritchie brings humor, charm, and a touch of magic to Little Witch’s adventure. Illustrations showcase a whimsical duo, utilizing a rich seasonal color palette, bringing this magical world to life as Little Witch zooms across the sky.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters decided to share the broom? What does sharing mean to you?
How did the characters feel when they were flying together? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What would you have done if you were in the story? Would you have made the same choices as the characters?
How did the characters' friendship change throughout the book? What does this tell us about the importance of teamwork?
If you could add another adventure in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and relate the story to their own experiences. Ask them how they feel about the characters’ actions and decisions. Validate their feelings and perspectives to foster a deeper understanding and connection to the themes of sharing and friendship. Make the discussion interactive by suggesting they draw a scene from the book or act out their favorite part.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Broom for Two,' the main characters learn the importance of sharing a magical broom to complete a task together. This includes taking turns and finding a common purpose.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share toys or work together on projects with siblings or classmates, promoting harmony and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters facing challenging situations that require them to think critically and come up with creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their own problem-solving skills in daily life, such as figuring out how to mend broken toys or resolving disputes with friends.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: As the characters on the broom come from diverse backgrounds, the story highlights the strength found in diversity and the beauty of accepting each other's differences.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate the diverse world around them, improving social interactions and inclusivity in their community.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite multiple obstacles, the characters persist in their journey, demonstrating the value of determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges in school or personal goals, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Joy of adventure
Explanation: The magical journey on the broom introduces the thrill of adventure, showing how new experiences can be exciting and enriching.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new activities, be it in learning, playing, or reading, and find joy in new experiences.