A Pinch of Magic
#1 of 4 in A Pinch of Magic Series
on Goodreads (8,348)
What’s inside...
A spellbinding middle grade fantasy about three sisters--adventurous Betty, curious Charlie, and proper Fliss--who go on a quest to break the curse that's haunted their family for generations. All Betty Widdershins wants is an adventure--one that takes her far away from Crowstone, the gloomy island where she's always lived. But instead of an adventure, Betty and her sisters, Fliss and Charlie, are given a set of magical objects, each with its own powers: a scruffy carpet bag, a set of wooden nesting dolls, and a gilt-framed mirror. These magical objects come with a terrible secret: their family is haunted by a generations-long curse that prevents them from ever leaving their island--at the cost of death. The sisters set out to break the curse and free their family forever. But after stumbling upon a mysterious prisoner who claims to be able to help them, they find themselves in great danger. To break the curse--and stay alive--they must unravel a mystery that goes back centuries, involving shipwrecks, smugglers, and sorcery of the most perilous kind.
Character compass
Betty Widdershins
Colton
Charlie Widdershins
Fliss Widdershins
Granny Widdershins
Discussion points
What do you think is the significance of the magical objects in the story?
How do the Widdershins sisters show courage and teamwork throughout their adventure?
If you could use one of the magical items from the book, which one would you choose and why?
What lessons can we learn about the importance of family from the sisters’ journey?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical object and describe its powers, relating it to the magical items in the book.
Discuss the actions and decisions of the sisters, asking your child what they would have done differently in similar situations.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, such as teamwork and facing fears.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the key events, fostering their ability to recall and narrate stories.
Celebrate the completion of the book by creating simple, themed crafts or drawings inspired by the magical elements of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Family Bonds
Explanation: In 'A Pinch of Magic', the Widdershins sisters discover the importance of sticking together through various challenges, emphasizing the strength of family unity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of supporting family members during tough times, which can strengthen their family relationships in real life.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters confront their personal fears and overcome obstacles, showcasing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of confronting their fears and the value of resilience, which can be applied when dealing with challenging situations in school or among peers.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Choices
Explanation: The narrative unfolds the repercussions of the choices made by the characters, particularly the use of the magical objects, thereby highlighting the idea that every decision has consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the consequences of their actions and make more thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The sisters must work together to break the family curse, demonstrating effective teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to cooperate with others in group settings such as school projects or team sports, leading to better outcomes and relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the sisters learn more about their family's past, they develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards their ancestors' struggles, teaching them to view stories from multiple perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and an understanding of different perspectives, which is crucial for building strong interpersonal relationships.