Room on the Broom
By Julia Donaldson
What's special about this book?
Imagine soaring through the sky on a broomstick, the wind in your hair, and a delightful adventure unfolding with each turn! In 'Room on the Broom,' children are captivated by the whimsical journey of a kind-hearted witch and her cat as they welcome new friends aboard their flying broom. Parents and educators treasure this story for its themes of friendship, teamwork, and the importance of helping others, all wrapped in Julia Donaldson's enchanting rhymes and Axel Scheffler's vibrant illustrations that bring the tale to life.
Read-aloud tips
To bring 'Room on the Broom' to life, set up a cozy reading nook with soft blankets and pillows, creating an inviting space that feels magical, just like the story. Use animated voices for the characters—give the witch a cheerful tone, the cat a sly voice, and the dragon a deep, rumbling growl—to engage your child's imagination. As you read, pause to let your child guess what will happen next or to ask them how they think the witch will feel when her items are returned, encouraging them to think creatively and connect with the story.
Discussion questions
- What items did the witch drop on her journey?
- Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the animals helped the witch?
- What do you think would happen if the dragon had not been stopped? How could the animals work together to solve that problem?
Fun activities
After reading 'Room on the Broom,' gather some paper and coloring supplies to create your very own broomstick characters! Encourage your child to draw the witch, her cat, and any additional animals they imagine could join the adventure. This activity fosters creativity and storytelling skills, allowing children to explore their interpretations of friendship and teamwork, just like in the book. Alternatively, you could take a short walk outside and pretend to fly on a broomstick, imagining what you might see and who you might meet along the way, reinforcing the themes of adventure and camaraderie.