The Sweetest Witch Around
#2 in A Very Brave Witch Series
What’s inside...
A young witch’s sweet tooth leads to Halloween mischief in this companion to the New York Times bestselling A Very Brave Witch, which School Library Journal called “a humorous, not-scary-at-all read-aloud.” It’s Halloween night, and one very brave witch has decided to teach her little sister all about humans and what they enjoy, including some yucky stuff called “candy.” But when it seems the little Witchling thinks candy is yum, her big sister flies off to set her straight—and then she gets stuck in a tree! Good thing the little Witchling isn’t afraid to be brave! This “not-scary-at-all read aloud” (School Library Journal) for Halloween perfectly pairs with A Very Brave Witch.
Discussion points
Why do you think the witch wanted to bake sweets instead of doing mean tricks?
How would you have helped the witch make friends in the story?
What is your favorite part of the book and why?
If you were a character in the book, what kind magic would you like to do?
How do you think the witch felt when she made new friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to express their feelings about different events in the story, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.
Ask kids to predict what might happen next in the story to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills.
Involve children in creative activities like drawing their favorite scene or character from the book to deepen their connection to the story.
Compare the witch’s experiences with real-life situations to teach problem-solving and social skills.
Celebrate the book's theme of kindness and friendship by discussing how children can apply these lessons in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and inclusion
Explanation: The protagonist, a young witch, goes out of her way to include everyone in her Halloween festivities, regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of including peers in activities, promoting a sense of community and acceptance in their daily interactions at school and play.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the witch faces various challenges that she overcomes using her imagination and clever thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems and think outside the box, which is a valuable skill in academic settings and personal life.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: The Sweetest Witch is not afraid to be different and shows pride in her unique qualities, influencing others around her positively.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of self-acceptance and the courage to show their true selves, enhancing their self-esteem and interactions with others.
Example Lesson: The power of generosity
Explanation: The witch shares her treats and good will with everyone she meets, spreading joy and positivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing and giving to enrich the lives of others, a fundamental aspect of social interaction and community building.