Summary
Room on the Broom, a beloved children's book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has enchanted readers since its publication in 2001. This whimsical tale of a witch and her expanding group of animal friends has been translated into 22 languages and garnered six prestigious book awards. The story's popularity led to its adaptation into an Academy Award-nominated animated film in 2012, featuring the voices of Martin Clunes, Gillian Anderson, and Timothy Spall.
Plot
In Julia Donaldson's Room on the Broom, a witch and her cat are flying on a broomstick when the wind blows away the witch's hat, bow, and wand. Three helpful animals—a dog, a bird, and a frog— find these items and ask for a ride on the broom in return. The witch agrees, but as more animals join, the broom becomes increasingly crowded.
As the story progresses, the overloaded broomstick struggles to stay aloft. Suddenly, a hungry dragon appears, threatening to eat the witch. The situation seems dire, but the animals band together to create a fearsome “monster” that scares the dragon away, saving the witch from peril.
In the aftermath, the witch crafts a new, more spacious broom that can comfortably accommodate all her newfound friends. The story concludes with the witch, her cat, and the three animals flying together on their new, improved broomstick, emphasizing the power of friendship and cooperation.
Themes
Value of friendship and cooperation
Kindness and generosity
Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Inclusivity and acceptance
Overcoming challenges together
Bravery in the face of danger
The magic of imagination
Setting
Room on the Broom blends elements of traditional fairy tales with a modern sensibility. While no specific era is mentioned, the presence of a witch flying on a broomstick suggests a world where magic is commonplace, reminiscent of classic children's stories.
The geographical area depicted in the book is a vast, open sky where the witch and her companions soar freely. This aerial setting allows for a sense of adventure and possibility as the characters encounter various challenges. The story also touches down in more earthbound locations, including forests and fields where the witch's lost items are found.
As the narrative progresses, the setting expands to include a dramatic encounter with a dragon, introducing a new landscape of danger and excitement. This diverse array of environments, from tranquil countryside to perilous dragon lairs, creates a rich and engaging backdrop for the story's themes of friendship and cooperation.
Characters
Witch: The main character, a kind and generous witch who flies on a broomstick. She welcomes new friends onto her broom, despite the limited space.
Cat: The witch's loyal companion who initially rides the broom with her. The cat is somewhat reluctant to share the broom with newcomers.
Dog: A friendly canine who finds the witch's hat and joins the group on the broom.
Bird: A helpful avian character who retrieves the witch's bow and becomes part of the flying crew.
Frog: An amphibious friend who locates the witch's wand and hops aboard the increasingly crowded broom.
Dragon: A hungry antagonist who threatens the witch, leading to a climactic moment in the story.
Quick facts
Room on the Broom was written by Julia Donaldson, a British writer and playwright known for her children's books.
The book was first published in 2001 and has been translated into 22 different languages.
Room on the Broom has won six book awards, including the Blue Peter Award and the Mumsnet Award.
Room on the Broom was adapted into an animated film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2013.
The animated film version is narrated by Simon Pegg and features voice work by Martin Clunes, Rob Brydon, and Gillian Anderson.
The audiobook version is narrated by British actress Josie Lawrence.
A stage adaptation by Tall Stories Theatre Company has been touring since 2008.
The book's illustrator, Axel Scheffler, also illustrated Donaldson's famous book The Gruffalo.
A themed attraction based on the book opened at Chessington World of Adventures in 2019.
Room on the Broom is often recommended as a fun, family-friendly story for Halloween celebrations.
The story promotes themes of friendship, teamwork, and inclusivity.
About the Author
Julia Donaldson is a British author known for her contributions to children's literature. Born in London, she developed a passion for storytelling and performance from a young age. Her creative journey began with writing songs for children's television, which later evolved into a prolific career in book writing. Her breakthrough came in 1999 with the publication of The Gruffalo, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. This beloved tale has sold millions of copies worldwide with translations into more than 100 languages. Donaldson's collaboration with Scheffler has produced numerous other classics, including Room on the Broom, Stick Man, and The Smeds and the Smoos.
While Donald is best known for her rhyming picture books, she has also written novels, plays, and songs. Her series about Princess Mirror-Belle has been adapted into a successful television show. From 2011 to 2013, she served as the UK Children's Laureate, promoting the importance of reading and storytelling.
Beyond writing, Donaldson is passionate about bringing her stories to life through performances. She frequently participates in book festivals and theater events, engaging audiences with interactive storytelling and songs. Her contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous awards, including a CBE for Services to Literature.
