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Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch



Last updated Friday, September 29, 2017

Author: Diana Murray
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0062264486
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2017

Synopsis: Grimelda’s house may not be tidy, but it’s cozy, and that’s just the way she likes it. She also likes pickle pie. There’s only one problem—she can’t find the main ingredient in her messy house!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How messy is your room? If you share a room how messy is that person?
•  How do you look for something you lost?
•  What is your favorite type of pie?

Vocabulary

•  Grime- Dirt that covers a surface
•  Recipe- A set of instructions for making food
•  Pace- The speed at which something moves
•  Spell- A group of secret words believed to have magical powers
•  Scrumptious- Very good to taste
•  Swarm- To move in a large group

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What was Grimelda looking for?
•  How did Grimelda find her pickle root? What else did she find?
•  What spell did Grimelda do? If you were a witch what kind of spells would you make?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a witch. Cut out black construction paper into the shape of a witch's hat. Have kids trace hands using orange construction paper then cut them out to use as hair. Glue the hair and hat onto a paper bag. Then have them draw the witch's face and decorate.
•  Check our craft ideas for October on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2017-halloween-magic-monsters/

*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!