Sugar and Spice
#10 of 17 in Whatever After Series
on Goodreads (2,190)
What’s inside...
In the tenth installment of Sarah Mlynowski's series, the magic mirror takes siblings into the story of Hansel and Gretel. Mistakenly replacing the real Hansel and Gretel, who are on the run, the siblings must navigate living in the witch's house, avoiding being eaten, and pretending their dog is a cat, among other things. They must befriend a talking duck and learn to make kale smoothies if they ever hope to return to their home sweet home.
Character compass
Abby
Jonah
Gretel
Hansel
The Witch
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges?
What would you have done differently if you were in the characters' shoes?
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
What are some ways the characters showed kindness or helped each other?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and different voices for each character to make the reading more dynamic and entertaining.
Pause after exciting moments in the story to discuss predictions and thoughts on what might happen next.
Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child might encounter to deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or act out their favorite part to enhance connection with the story.
Ask your child to summarize the story's moral and reflect on how they can apply it in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: In 'Sugar and Spice', the protagonist learns the importance of telling the truth, even when it's difficult. This theme is woven throughout pivotal moments in the story where the characters face consequences for dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that truthfulness builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book often work together to solve magical mishaps, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cooperate with others, whether in school projects or in playing sports, highlighting the benefits of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are given tasks that require responsibility, showing the growth that comes from taking charge and the repercussions of shirking duties.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and chores at home, learning that being reliable is an important character trait.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story showcases the importance of understanding others' feelings and situations, which helps resolve conflicts among the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment.