Tiffany Aching's Guide to Being A Witch
Wee Free Men Series
What’s inside...
In 'Tiffany Aching's Guide to Being A Witch,' Rhianna Pratchett offers an engaging exploration of the life and teachings of Tiffany Aching from the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. The guide highlights valuable traits for being a good witch such as resourcefulness and courage, and provides advice on handling magical creatures, using headology, and advocating for oneself and the community. The book also includes personal anecdotes, practical tips, and contributions from characters like Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg. Illustrated by Paul Kidby, this guide serves as both a tribute to Tiffany Aching and an empowering handbook for fans and aspiring witches.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-13
Length
200 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Tiffany a good witch? How can you apply these qualities in your own life?
Tiffany faces many challenges in the story. Can you share a time when you overcame a difficult situation? What helped you through it?
How do the different characters in the book show friendship and support to one another? Why is teamwork important?
What lessons did you learn from Tiffany's adventures that you think are important?
If you had magical powers like Tiffany, how would you use them to help others around you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating the characters' experiences to their own. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer to foster deeper understanding and connection. Praise their insights, and share your perspectives, creating a nurturing environment for open conversation. Highlight the moral and ethical choices characters make, discussing with your child what they would do in similar situations. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life applications of bravery, kindness, and wisdom.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Tiffany Aching's journey as a young witch underscores the importance of being responsible for one's actions and decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their chores, homework, and interactions with friends, learning that their actions have consequences.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Tiffany faces various challenges and dangers, showcasing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Tiffany learns to understand and share the feelings of others, an important aspect of her role as a witch.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering other people's feelings and perspectives, helping them build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book highlights how Tiffany uses her wit and resources to solve complex problems that she encounters.
Real-World Application: This promotes critical thinking and creativity in children, encouraging them to think about multiple solutions to problems they face in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Tiffany's ability to recover from setbacks and continue her mission teaches resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that setbacks are part of life and that persistence is key to achieving goals.