The witches--The graphic novel

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 22 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, what does the narrator teach readers about real witches, and how is this different from fairy-tale witches?
2. In Chapter 2, how does the grandmother help the narrator feel safe after a sad time in his life?
3. In Chapter 3, which clues for recognizing a witch seem the most important to remember, and why?
4. In Chapter 4, what do you learn about the Grand High Witch from the way other witches react to her?
5. In Chapter 5, how does the change in the family’s holiday plans move the story forward?
6. In Chapter 6, what clues show that the narrator is in serious danger during the witches’ meeting?
7. In Chapter 7, how does the story show that the witches are cruel and frightening? Use details from the chapter.
8. In Chapter 8, what is Formula 86 Delayed Action Mouse-Maker, and why is it such a dangerous plan?
9. In Chapter 9, choose one unusual word or ingredient from the recipe. What do you think it adds to the mood of the story?
10. In Chapter 10, how does Bruno Jenkins’s disappearance change what the narrator understands about the witches’ plan?
11. In Chapter 11, why do you think the witches are so interested in their old traditions and rules?
12. In Chapter 12, how does the narrator respond when something terrible happens to him, and what does this show about his character?
13. In Chapter 13, compare the narrator and Bruno after they have both been changed. How are their reactions alike or different?
14. In Chapter 14, how does Grandmamma show love and courage when she sees what has happened to the narrator?
15. In Chapter 15, what makes the narrator’s mouse-burglar mission risky, and what skills help him succeed?
16. In Chapter 16, why do Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have such a hard time believing the truth about Bruno?
17. In Chapter 17, what is the main plan to stop the witches, and what could go wrong with it?
18. In Chapter 18, how does the artwork help build suspense while the narrator is in the kitchen?
19. In Chapter 19, what does Mr. Jenkins’s reaction to his son tell you about him as a parent?
20. In Chapter 20, do you think the narrator and Grandmamma’s victory is fair, clever, or both? Explain your opinion.
21. In Chapter 21, what does the narrator mean when he thinks about having the heart of a mouse, and what theme does this show?
22. In Chapter 22, what prediction can you make about the narrator and Grandmamma’s future adventures? Use evidence from the ending.

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 3, which clues for recognizing a witch seem the most important to remember, and why?

I think the most important clue is that witches wear gloves because they have claws instead of fingernails. That clue would be easier to notice than some of the others if you looked carefully. I also think the wig clue is important because witches may scratch their heads a lot. These details make the narrator’s grandmother seem very wise and prepared.

In Chapter 14, how does Grandmamma show love and courage when she sees what has happened to the narrator?

Grandmamma shows love because she does not stop caring about the narrator after he becomes a mouse. She talks to him and listens to him instead of treating him like he is not the same person. She also shows courage because she stays calm and starts thinking about what to do next. I think this proves that her love is stronger than fear.

In Chapter 20, do you think the narrator and Grandmamma’s victory is fair, clever, or both? Explain your opinion.

I think their victory is both fair and clever. It is fair because the witches were planning to hurt children, so stopping them was important. It is clever because the narrator uses the witches’ own potion against them. I liked that he wins by being brave and smart, even though he is very small.