Bad Jelly the Witch
on Goodreads (446)
What’s inside...
Bad Jelly the Witch is a short comedic children's story written by Spike Milligan. The tale follows the adventures of two siblings, Tim and Rose, who embark on a quest to rescue their cow, Lucy, after she is kidnapped by the evil witch Bad Jelly. Along their journey, they encounter a host of whimsical characters including a giant, a dwarf, and talking animals. Despite Bad Jelly's wicked spells and attempts to thwart them, Tim and Rose display courage and cleverness. With the help of their new friends and their own ingenuity, they manage to defeat Bad Jelly, save Lucy, and return home safely. The story is known for its absurd humor, playful language, and imaginative landscape, all of which reflect Milligan's unique comedic style.
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tim
Rose
Bad Jelly The Witch
Discussion points
What do you think makes Bad Jelly the Witch behave the way she does? Do you think she could have chosen to be kind instead?
How do the actions of Tim and Rose influence the story? What might have happened if they made different choices?
What are the main lessons you learned from the story? How do these lessons apply to your daily life?
If you had magic powers like Bad Jelly, how would you use them differently?
What do you think is the importance of courage and kindness as shown in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to express their thoughts and emotions about the story. Ask them how they feel about the characters and their actions.
Draw parallels between the story and the child’s real-life experiences to make the themes more relatable. For example, discuss a time when they had to be brave or kind.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach empathy. Discuss why understanding different perspectives, like those of Tim, Rose, and even Bad Jelly, is important.
Promote critical thinking by asking what they would have done differently if they were one of the characters in the book.
Highlight the moral lessons by discussing the consequences of the characters' actions and how they could apply these lessons in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Bad Jelly the Witch,' the characters Tim and Rose display bravery as they embark on a quest to rescue their stolen cow, Lucy. Despite the dangers posed by the witch, they confront their fears and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and tackle challenges head-on, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Tim and Rose encounter various creatures and characters, treating each with kindness and understanding, ultimately gaining allies.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be kind and compassionate in their interactions, teaching them that these qualities can build friendships and garner support in challenging times.
Example Lesson: The importance of creativity and imagination
Explanation: The whimsical and fantastical elements in 'Bad Jelly the Witch,' such as talking animals and magical spells, underscore the importance of creativity both in the story and in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to use their imagination not just for play, but as a tool for solving problems and thinking outside the box in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience and determination
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Tim and Rose do not give up on their mission to rescue Lucy. Their resilience in the face of challenges is a key theme of the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of persistence and resilience, encouraging children to keep striving towards their goals, irrespective of the obstacles they might face.