What We Read This Week: Room on the Broom

Hello! Happy Wednesday! Hope your day is going great so far. Here, I’m really enjoying the weather, it’s finally getting cooler and fall feels closer and closer. I’ve read that it’s supposed to pour rain the whole weekend, which I’m not excited about. I guess we’ll see. Hopefully the lovely fall weather holds!

This time of year is the best for bringing out fall themed books! Whether they’re favorites from past years or new additions, I really enjoy finding fall/Halloween books to read as October approaches. So with that theme in mind, we chose one of our favorites as this week’s read: “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and published by Macmillan.

Our journey towards discovering this book was a bit opposite from how we normally find books, as we found the short movie on Netflix first, and then checked out the book after! Needless to say, we loved the movie so much that we wanted to immediately get the book. “Room on the Broom” is an enchanting children’s book that really is appealing to parents and children alike. This tale of friendship and courage is a must-read for young readers, and I 100% recommend it (especially for anyone who loves stories about friendly witches). 😋

The story follows a good-hearted witch and her trusty cat as they embark on a journey through the skies on their broomstick. Along the way, they encounter a series of kind-hearted animals who help them in their time of need. The story emphasizes the importance of teamwork, generosity, and friendship, making it not only entertaining but also educational.

Julia Donaldson’s lyrical and rhythmic writing style makes “Room on the Broom” a joy to read aloud. The rhyming verses and repetition of phrases will have young readers eagerly chiming in as they follow along with the story (my kids have all the lines memorized, they love it). This engaging narrative style not only encourages early literacy skills but also ensures that children will want to read this book over and over again.

Axel Scheffler’s charming illustrations complement the story, bringing the characters to life with vibrant colors and expressive faces. The whimsical depictions of the witch, the cat, and their animal friends are sure to spark the imagination of young readers and keep them engaged from start to finish.

One of the standout aspects of “Room on the Broom” is its universal appeal. This book transcends age boundaries, making it suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and even early elementary school children. It’s a fantastic choice for parents looking to read to their little ones or for older children who are starting to read independently.

Beyond its entertainment value, “Room on the Broom” offers important life lessons about inclusivity, kindness, and helping others. The message that friends come in all shapes and sizes is a valuable one for children to learn, and this book delivers it with warmth and humor.

My kids and I love this one, and we read it often! If you’ve read and enjoyed some of Julia Donaldson’s other works such as “The Gruffalo,” I think you will find this one just as charming. And if you love this one, do see if you can find the short film with the same title and the same lovely storyline and illustrations “Room on the Broom.” We found it first on Netflix, then on Apple TV. That one is another favorite in our house.

What are some of your favorite fall books? I can’t wait to see what other Halloween/autumn reads we find this year! I’ve seen some great titles and I’m looking forward to checking them out. Wishing you a happy rest of your day and week 🍂 And of course lots of great fall reading!

-Colorful Swans Press 🦢 💜