Piggie Pie
#1 in Gritch the Witch Series
What’s inside...
Gritch the Witch is grouchy, grumpy, and very hungry. The only thing that could make her happy is something extra special for lunch, and that is: Piggie Pie! Gritch zooms off on her broomstick to find eight plump piggies -- where else? -- on Old MacDonald's Farm. Cleverly disguised pigs impersonate ducks, chickens, a cow, and Old MacDonald himself, as this uproarious, quick-paced story builds to an ironically surprising conclusion. Wacky, hip, and illustrated with bold, bright paintings, 'Piggie Pie' adds a new twist to an old fairy-tale scene.
Discussion points
Why do you think Gritch the Witch wanted to make a piggie pie?
How did the pigs use their cleverness to trick Gritch?
What would you have done if you were one of the pigs?
How did the story change your feelings about the characters from the beginning to the end?
What is the importance of working together, as shown by the pigs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each page, pause and ask your child to predict what Gritch or the pigs might do next.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose that particular moment.
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of both Gritch and the pigs at various points in the story, fostering empathy and understanding.
Use different voices for Gritch and the pigs to make the reading more dynamic and entertaining.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it might apply to your child's own experiences with problem-solving and teamwork.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Piggie Pie,' Gritch the Witch encounters challenges to find the key ingredient for her piggie pie. She creatively tackles each obstacle to achieve her goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and devise solutions when facing difficulties in school projects or personal tasks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Gritch the Witch learns through her interactions that her desires may cause discomfort or harm to others, leading her to reconsider her actions.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of considering other people's feelings and the impact of their actions on others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Flexibility in plans
Explanation: The storyline follows Gritch as she adapts to the scenarios that prevent her from getting her initial wish, showing the importance of being flexible.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to adapt to changes and be flexible with their expectations, whether it's dealing with a change in a school schedule or adapting to new situations at home.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: Gritch faces consequences for her actions throughout the book which illustrates the cause and effect nature of decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that their choices have consequences, helping them make more thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Creativity in achieving goals
Explanation: The imaginative ways Gritch tries to gather her ingredients show the power of creative thinking in reaching one's goals.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives in creative arts or problem-solving tasks.