The Little Witch (Puffin Books)
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
The Little Witch by Margaret Mahy tells the story of a young witch who is determined to be the best witch in the forest. Despite her small size and the skepticism of the older, more experienced witches, she works hard to learn all the spells and magical skills she needs. Along her journey, she encounters various challenges and adventures that test her abilities. With the help of her friends, including a talking cat, she overcomes obstacles and proves that being little doesn't mean she can't be a great witch. The book is a celebration of perseverance, friendship, and the idea that anyone can achieve greatness with determination and hard work. A baby witch who has not yet learned to use her magic properly becomes lost in the dark city.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-12
Length
78 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Little Witch learned about friendship throughout her adventures?
How do you think the other characters felt when the Little Witch used her magic?
If you had magical powers like the Little Witch, what would you do with them?
Why is it important to be kind and understanding to others, even if they are different from us?
How do you think the story would have changed if the Little Witch chose not to use her powers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the Little Witch’s shoes, discussing how they would handle similar situations.
Discuss the importance of empathy by focusing on how the characters' feelings influence their actions within the story.
Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of actions, both good and bad, to enhance moral reasoning.
Highlight the moments where teamwork and understanding shine, prompting a discussion about cooperation and respect for others.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and describe why they chose it, fostering a deeper connection with the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist of the story, the Little Witch, struggles with being different from others but learns to accept her unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their individuality and feel confident in who they are, even if they feel different from their peers.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Little Witch faces various challenges but doesn't give up on her goal.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children to keep trying and working towards their goals, despite obstacles they may encounter.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: The Little Witch chooses to use her abilities to help others, demonstrating the impact of kind actions.
Real-World Application: Children can see the positive effects of being kind and considerate towards others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The Little Witch's actions sometimes lead to unintended consequences, teaching her to think before acting.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of considering the consequences of their actions before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: The Little Witch learns to collaborate with others to overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of working together and valuing each member's contribution in group settings, such as school projects or team sports.