Room on the Broom

Written by: Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler

Published by: Dail Books for Young Readers, Divison of Penguin Young Readers NYC, USA 2001

Ages:   3 – 6 years

Theme: Friendship, Adventure,

Opening Lines: The witch had a cat and a hat that was black, And long ginger hair in a braid down her back. How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.

Synopsis: The witch and her cat couldn’t be happier, flying through the night sky on their broomstick – until the wind blows away first the witch’s hat, then her bow, then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items and all they want in return is a ride on the broomstick. But is there room on the broom for so many new friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from the clutches of a hungry dragon? From the award=winning creators of The Gruffalo, this enchanting story of quick wits and friendship is full of humor and adventure – and just the right amount of spookiness.

Why I like this: This is a fun story, very appropriate I thought for this time of year. Right from the get-go the whimsical rhyming text that is both catchy and bold and along with the colourful illustrations certainly does knock your socks off. As I turned the page eager to see what happens next I could not help smiling and laughing at the antics they got up to. The witch was very comical looking which made it very kid friendly I thought. There are comical lines, lots of action and repetition which makes it easy for kids to read and a fun read aloud. You’ve gotta get this one!

Resources/Findings: Here is a reading on youtube….    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWB0goTWZic

It’s Halloweensie contest time again at Susanna Hills blog… get yourself over there asap to join in the fun. Instructions are in this link…   http://susannahill.blogspot.co.nz/2015/10/its-about-that-time.html

Here is a blog with some ideas for kids on Halloween…   http://pathways.org/blog/great-family-halloween-activities-beyond-trick-or-treating/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwtaexBRCohZOAoOPL88oBEiQAr96eSKietwk-bUS5idItFK7IA_IuabRtdkQrKx5FapPWReEaArtH8P8HAQ

Here are some more crafts, activities, colouring pictures and videos to enjoy for Halloween…   http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/Halloween

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.

It’s also Labour Weekend for us here down in New Zealand.  So we are enjoying a long relaxing time away from work though the weather has been a bit miserable for the start of the weekend it promises to turn warm and sunny later.   Have a great weekend everyone and see you over at Susanna’s blog for Halloween.  🙂