Witch Hazel
What’s inside...
Something magical happens when Hazel and Hilda are together. As the seasons pass, Hazel's broom whisks the dust off many years of joyful memories, and young Hilda watches them come to life. But is it magic making memories...or are memories making magic? This poignant tale and artistic tour de force from Caldecott Honoree Molly Idle gently explores the passage of time and the transcendent power of sharing our stories.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Witch Hazel enjoys most about her unique magical skills?
How do you feel when Witch Hazel solves problems with her magic?
If you had magical powers like Witch Hazel, what would you use them for?
Why do you think Witch Hazel chose to help her friends?
How do the colors and pictures in the book make you feel about the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when discussing Witch Hazel's decisions and actions, encouraging your child to explore the character’s motivations and feelings.
Relate Witch Hazel's experiences to real-life situations your child might encounter, such as helping friends or solving problems creatively.
Point out the illustrations, asking what your child thinks each color or detail might represent about the story or mood.
Highlight the value of uniqueness and creativity, emphasizing how Witch Hazel uses her differences to bring joy and solutions.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and deepen their engagement with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Witch Hazel', the protagonist, Hazel, learns to understand and empathize with characters who are different from her. This is demonstrated through her interactions and the friendships she forms with creatures she initially feared.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to embrace differences in their classmates and peers, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Hazel shows courage by facing her fears and standing up for what she believes is right. Her bravery is highlighted during pivotal moments in the story where she must make difficult decisions to help her friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being brave in the face of challenges, whether it's trying new activities, standing up against bullying, or expressing their own opinions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Hazel uses her magical skills in unique and creative ways to solve problems throughout the book. This aspect encourages thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to use their own creativity to think of innovative solutions during playtime, school projects, or in resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of friendship through Hazel’s interactions and the support system her friends provide during her adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships and being a good friend to others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As a young witch, Hazel must learn to control her powers and use them responsibly. This is a recurring theme as Hazel’s mastery of her abilities grows with the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the consequences of their actions and to act responsibly, whether with their toys, during interactions with other children, or while participating in family duties.