Doppol - Trending books for kids

Queen's Favorite Witch #1 (The Queen's Favorite Witch)

#1 in Queen'S Favorite Witch Series

3.81
on Goodreads (193)

What’s inside...

In Elizabethan England, a young witch named Daisy learns of the death of the Queen's Royal Witch and decides to fly to London to audition as her replacement. Coming from a poor family, Daisy takes a job as a cleaner in the palace to access the Royal Court. Her work catches the attention of John Dee, the Queen's doctor, who helps her enter the auditions despite opposition from her competitors. With dark forces at play within the palace, Dee sees Daisy as a wild card who could influence the fate of many. Daisy must rely on her determination, grit, and sense of adventure to succeed in the auditions amidst numerous challenges.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

7-12

Length

112 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What qualities do you think make someone a good friend, like the characters in the book?
How do you think the witch felt when she was trying to find her place in the palace?
What would you do if you were in the witch's shoes and had to make a tough decision?
Why is it important to understand and accept people who are different from us?
What do you think is the most important message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, imagining how they would feel in similar situations. Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, and after each chapter, pause to discuss any interesting events or decisions made by the characters. Highlight the themes of friendship, acceptance, and courage throughout your discussion to deepen your child's understanding and empathy.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty
Explanation: In 'Queen's Favorite Witch,' the protagonist demonstrates loyalty to her friends and the queen, highlighting the value of being trustworthy and steadfast.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying true to their friends and family, showing reliability and support during various situations in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character faces various challenges and shows bravery, teaching children that courage is crucial when confronting difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this lesson by standing up for themselves and others, facing their fears during challenges like trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the story, acts of kindness lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing the message that kindness is a powerful tool for change.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to perform acts of kindness at school or home, such as sharing toys or helping a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters frequently use their wit and intelligence to solve puzzles and obstacles, which underscores the benefits of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can implement this by engaging in activities that require problem-solving and critical thinking, which could be in their academic assignments or in resolving everyday conflicts.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often persist through their difficulties, teaching children that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of not giving up in the face of academic challenges or when learning new skills.

Queen's Favorite Witch #1 (The Queen's Favorite Witch) by Benjamin Dickson, Rachael Smith