Witch Hazel's Haiku Brew
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Buckle up for a hilarious Halloween adventure with Witch Hazel! Fresh from Japan, she's cooking up the quirkiest brew you've ever seen. Get ready to giggle as Hazel collects ingredients like mummy wrappings and werewolf hair. It's a spooky, silly, and haiku-filled ride that'll have kids in stitches from start to finish!
Age
3-8
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Witch Hazel feels when she creates her haikus?
Can you think of a time you solved a problem creatively, like Witch Hazel?
Why do you think the author chose a witch to write haikus? How does it change the story?
Which part of Witch Hazel's adventure did you like the most and why?
If you could create a haiku about your day, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Relate the themes of creativity and problem-solving in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter. Discuss the unique blend of fantasy elements and poetic form to enhance their understanding of literary styles. Lastly, consider creating haikus together, inspired by the book’s content, to make the reading experience interactive and fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: Witch Hazel teaches children how to create haikus, demonstrating the beauty of expressing oneself through poetry.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in creative writing activities at school or as a hobby to express their feelings and thoughts.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, Witch Hazel uses elements of nature as inspiration for her haikus, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings, possibly leading to environmental consciousness and outdoor activities.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: Witch Hazel encounters challenges while perfecting her haikus but persists until she succeeds, illustrating the importance of these virtues.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life when they face academic challenges or learn new skills, teaching them to persist and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to the traditional Japanese form of poetry, haiku, which broadens their cultural horizon.
Real-World Application: Children can explore and respect diverse cultures and art forms, enhancing their social studies learning and global understanding.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: By breaking down the structure of haikus, children learn about syllables and word placement, enhancing their language skills.
Real-World Application: This can help in improving children’s writing and speaking abilities, benefiting their overall academic performance.