Room on the Broom: questions to ask and activities to try
A witch keeps finding room for one more friend, and when she is in trouble, they are the ones who save her. Room on the Broom is a warm way into including others and joining in.
What age is it for? Room on the Broom is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Making room for others, and friends who stick together.
Room on the Broom (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Making room for others, and friends who stick together
After reading, talk about what happened because the witch said yes to each animal. Then practise the words children need on both sides: asking to join in, and letting someone in.
Why I like this one
I like Room on the Broom because kindness in it is practical. The witch keeps saying yes to one more passenger, and it's the friends she made room for who save her later.
It's a good one for children who are working out how to let someone join a game. I'd ask, “Was there enough room on the broom? Was there really?” It opens up a nice, honest conversation about the fact that including people isn't always comfortable, and why it can still be worth it.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Including others and making room for someone new
- Practising how to ask to join a game
- Seeing friendship as something that comes back to you
- Teamwork: everyone helps in their own way
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why do you think the witch said yes to each animal?”
- “How did the animals help the witch when the dragon came?”
- “Has someone ever let you join in? How did it feel?”
- “What could you say to someone who wants to join your game?”
- “What happened because the witch made room for everyone?”
- “Was there a time it felt hard to share your space?”
5-minute activities to try together
Room on our blanket
Lay a blanket on the floor as the broom. Each new player has to ask to join (“Is there room for me?”) and someone already on it says yes and finds them a space.
Joining-in words
Practise two short phrases together: “Can I play too?” and “Yes, you can be the…”. Try them with toys first, then at the park or a playdate.
Free printables: Room on the Broom worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Superworm (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Friends helping each other when someone is in trouble
- Age
- 3-6
The Smartest Giant in Town (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Kindness, generosity and giving to others
- Age
- 3-6
The Invisible Boy (Trudy Ludwig)
- Best for
- Friendship, exclusion, quieter children and inclusion
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.