The Unsleeping Witch
#2 of 2 in The Gingerbread Witch Series
on Goodreads (62)
What’s inside...
Sleeping Beauty is about to wake up. Maud, a young witch made of gingerbread and magic, accidentally unleashes a century-old curse on a princess’s castle. With the help of her friends Gretel, Ludo, and Nuss the hazelnut mousse squirrel, Maud must find the princess's true love to break the curse, but they soon realize that the curse might be the least of their problems.
Discussion points
What do you think the witch dreams about during her unsleeping nights?
How would you feel if you could never sleep? What activities would you miss?
Why do you think the witch chooses not to sleep? What could she be avoiding or seeking?
How do the other characters react to the witch's condition? What does this teach us about empathy and understanding?
If you had a magical ability like the unsleeping witch, what would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about sleep and dreams to relate personally to the witch’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of sleep with your child, tying in how it affects mood, health, and daily life, making connections to the witch’s situation in the story.
Ask your child to imagine and describe a day in the life of the unsleeping witch, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the character's challenges.
Explore the theme of loneliness and companionship in the book, prompting your child to discuss their relationships and how they support others in their lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Unsleeping Witch', the protagonist faces daunting challenges but learns to confront her fears courageously. She takes bold actions to protect her friends and confront the witch.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges—be it fear of the dark, standing up to a bully, or speaking in front of a class—with bravery and resolution.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters work together, using their individual strengths to overcome obstacles. This collaboration is key to their success against the witch.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate, sharing their unique talents and supporting each other in group tasks or team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and personal growth
Explanation: The protagonist learns to accept responsibility for her actions and their consequences as she battles the witch. This personal growth is crucial to the story’s resolution.
Real-World Application: This tale serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, whether that means doing homework on time or admitting when they are wrong.
Example Lesson: Perseverance despite setbacks
Explanation: The characters face numerous setbacks in their journey but remain persistent. Their perseverance is what ultimately allows them to overcome the witch.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist learns more about the witch’s past and begins to empathize with her, which shapes her actions towards a peaceful resolution.
Real-World Application: The narrative encourages children to seek understanding and show empathy in conflicts, fostering more compassionate interactions with peers and adults.