The Widow's Broom

Last updated Thursday, October 2, 2003

Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
Date of Publication: 1992
ISBN: 0395640512
Grade Level: 5th
Date(s) Used: October 2003

Synopsis: The story gets under way when the lonely widow Minna Shaw finds a wounded, sky-fallen witch in her vegetable garden. The witch disappears before dawn, but leaves her old, presumably defunct broom behind.

Craft ideas:

• Write a letter from the broom to the witch who left it, telling her what has happened since she left, and illustrate.
• Make magic broom bookmarks, and on the back, write a review of the book.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!