Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Whimsical, Lighthearted, Adventurous, Heartwarming
- Read it if
- You enjoy rhyming stories about friendship and teamwork, with a touch of gentle magic and adventure.
- Skip it if
- You prefer complex plots, deep character development, or stories without clear moral lessons.
Room on the Broom Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Witch and Her Cat Take Flight
A kind witch and her ginger cat fly happily on their broomstick through the breezy sky. The witch wears a tall, pointy hat, a long braid in her hair tied with a bow, and carries her magic wand. The cat sits behind her, purring. They fly over forests, rivers, and mountains, enjoying the clear day, until a gust of wind blows the witch's hat off her head, sending it spiraling down. The witch realizes her hat is gone.
A Dog's Discovery
The witch lands her broomstick to find her lost hat. A friendly brown dog with floppy ears and a wagging tail appears from the bushes, holding the witch's hat in its mouth. The dog gives the hat back to the grateful witch. The dog then asks, 'Is there room on the broom for a dog like me?' The witch agrees, and the dog happily jumps onto the broomstick behind the cat. They continue their journey with an extra passenger.
The Bow's Disappearance
As the witch, cat, and dog fly through the sky, another strong gust of wind passes them. This time, it takes the bright red bow from the witch's long, ginger braid, sending it tumbling down towards a muddy bog. The witch sighs, having lost another item. She brings the broomstick down again, and the cat, dog, and witch start looking for the missing bow, hoping to get it before it is lost in the mud.
A Bird's Help
While searching for the bow, a green bird with a long beak swoops down. It holds the witch's red bow in its beak, having seen it in the bog. The bird flies to the witch and politely returns her bow. The witch is happy and thanks the bird. The bird then asks, 'Is there room on the broom for a bird like me?' The witch agrees, and the bird sits on the broomstick, joining the growing number of passengers.
The Wand's Fall
With the witch, cat, dog, and bird now on the broomstick, it starts to feel crowded. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind, stronger than the last ones, blows the witch's magic wand from her hand, sending it into a nearby pond. The witch cries out, as her wand is important for her magic. They land the broomstick again, and everyone starts looking for the wand in the murky water.
A Frog's Retrieval
As they look into the pond, a green frog with big eyes leaps out of the water, holding the witch's shiny wand in its mouth. The frog proudly gives the wand to the witch, who is very relieved to have her magic back. The frog then croaks, 'Is there room on the broom for a frog like me?' The witch, even though the broom is very full, cannot say no to such a helpful creature and agrees. The frog hops onto the broom, making it very crowded.
Overloaded Broom Breaks
With the witch, cat, dog, bird, and frog all on the broomstick, it is now very overloaded. They fly higher, but the strain is too much. Suddenly, with a loud CRACK!, the broomstick breaks in two! The witch and her wand fall one way, while the cat, dog, bird, and frog fall another way, all tumbling down. The witch lands in a dark, swampy forest, separated from her animal friends and her broken broom.
A Hungry Dragon Appears
As the witch sits alone in the swampy forest, covered in mud and sad, a scary creature comes from the trees: a huge, green dragon with fiery breath and sharp teeth. The dragon is hungry and says he wants to eat the witch for his tea. The witch is scared, realizing she is in danger without her friends or a working broom. The dragon's eyes glow red, and smoke comes from his nose, showing he is serious.
The Animals' Clever Plan
Just as the dragon is about to jump on the witch, a loud, scary growl sounds through the forest. From the bushes comes a muddy, scary beast. It has four heads (the dog, cat, bird, and frog), glowing eyes, and makes a deep noise like 'Grrrrrowl!' The dragon, surprised and scared by this unknown creature, asks what it is. The 'beast' responds with a chorus of 'Iggety, ziggety, zaggety, ZOOOM!' which scares the dragon completely.
Dragon Flees, Witch is Saved
The scary 'beast' (which is actually the mud-covered animals) keeps moving forward, looking more monstrous. The dragon, truly scared by this strange, multi-headed creature and its odd sounds, yelps in fear. He quickly turns and flies away as fast as he can, disappearing into the sky, never to be seen again. The witch is very relieved and thankful. Her animal friends come out of their muddy disguise, showing themselves and celebrating.
A New, Improved Broom
With the dragon gone and the witch safe, the grateful witch wants to reward her loyal friends. She gets her wand and, with the help of the cat, dog, bird, and frog, they all throw different items into a bubbling cauldron: a lily, a twig, a bone, and a cone. The witch stirs the mix and says a magic spell. With a loud WHOOSH!, a new, wonderful broomstick comes out of the cauldron. This broom is made with seats for everyone.
Happy Ever After
The new broomstick is special; it has a shower for the frog, a nest for the bird, a kennel for the dog, and a comfy cushion for the cat. The witch has her own seat too. Everyone is happy with their new way to travel. They all get on their custom broom, and with a cheerful 'WHOOSH!', they fly off into the sky, happy and together. They soar through the air, enjoying their adventure, showing the strength of friendship and working as a team.
Room on the Broom Characters
The Witch
Protagonist
A kind and generous witch who values friendship.
The Witch is the central character of the story. She is portrayed as kind, generous, and slightly forgetful, as she keeps losing her belongings. She is always willing to share her broomstick with helpful animals, even when it becomes dangerously crowded. Despite her magical abilities, she finds herself in peril when her broom breaks and she faces a dragon, highlighting her reliance on her friends. Her gratitude is evident when she creates a custom broom for everyone.
Relationships: Cat (Pet and loyal companion); Dog (New friend, rescuer of her hat); Bird (New friend, rescuer of her bow); Frog (New friend, rescuer of her wand); Dragon (Antagonist, a threat to her life)
The Cat
Supporting
The witch's first and most loyal animal companion.
The Cat is the Witch's original companion, flying with her from the very beginning. While not as overtly active in finding lost items as the others, the Cat is a constant presence and a key part of the 'grrrrrowling' beast that scares away the dragon. The Cat is shown to be a loyal and essential member of the witch's family, always by her side, and eventually enjoys a comfy cushion on the new broom.
Relationships: The Witch (Owner and close companion); Dog (Fellow passenger and friend); Bird (Fellow passenger and friend); Frog (Fellow passenger and friend)
The Dog
Supporting
A helpful dog who finds the witch's hat.
The Dog is the first animal to join the witch on her broomstick. He is characterized by his enthusiasm and helpfulness, eagerly returning the witch's lost hat. He is a key component in the 'beast' that frightens the dragon, demonstrating bravery and quick thinking. His reward is a dedicated kennel on the new broom, showing his integral role in the group.
Relationships: The Witch (Friend and benefactor); Cat (Fellow passenger and friend); Bird (Fellow passenger and friend); Frog (Fellow passenger and friend)
The Bird
Supporting
A green bird who retrieves the witch's bow.
The Bird is the second animal to join the broomstick. It is observant and quick, spotting the witch's lost bow in the bog and returning it. The Bird's participation in the 'beast' shows its commitment to the witch's safety. Its reward is a custom-made nest on the new broom, acknowledging its contribution and unique needs within the group.
Relationships: The Witch (Friend and benefactor); Cat (Fellow passenger and friend); Dog (Fellow passenger and friend); Frog (Fellow passenger and friend)
The Frog
Supporting
A frog who finds the witch's lost wand.
The Frog is the last animal to join the broomstick, finding the witch's essential magic wand in the pond. Despite being the smallest, the Frog proves to be equally helpful and brave, joining the other animals to form the 'beast' and scare away the dragon. Its unique reward, a shower on the new broom, highlights the witch's thoughtfulness towards all her friends.
Relationships: The Witch (Friend and benefactor); Cat (Fellow passenger and friend); Dog (Fellow passenger and friend); Bird (Fellow passenger and friend)
The Dragon
Antagonist
A hungry and fearsome dragon who threatens the witch.
The Dragon serves as the primary antagonist in the story. He is large, green, and possesses fiery breath, making him a formidable threat to the stranded witch. His sole motivation is hunger, declaring his intent to eat the witch for tea. Despite his fearsome appearance, he is ultimately easily scared by the combined efforts of the witch's animal friends, demonstrating that even powerful foes can be overcome by clever teamwork.
Relationships: The Witch (Prey); Cat, Dog, Bird, Frog (The 'beast' that scares him off)
Room on the Broom Themes
Friendship and Inclusivity
The main theme is about the power of friendship and accepting others. The witch makes 'room on the broom' for each animal that helps her, showing a kind and open spirit. This acceptance saves her life, as her group of friends works together to scare away the dragon. The happy ending, with a custom broom for everyone, shows that true friendship means making space for all.
“Is there room on the broom for a dog like me?”
Teamwork and Problem-Solving
The story shows how working together can solve big problems. When the witch's broom breaks and she faces the dragon, her magic alone is not enough. The combined effort of the cat, dog, bird, and frog, looking like a 'terrible beast,' frightens the dragon away. Later, everyone working together to gather ingredients for the new broom also shows the strength that comes from collaboration and shared goals.
“''Grrrrrowl!' cried the dog, and 'Meow!' cried the cat, and 'Twit-twoo!' cried the bird, and 'Croak!' cried the frog.”
Generosity and Gratitude
The witch's kindness in giving rides to the animals is always met with their help. Each animal finds a lost item, and in return, the witch always finds room for them. Her final act of thanks is making a new magic broom, designed with personalized spaces for each friend. This cycle of giving and receiving builds good relationships and shows that kindness is often rewarded.
“And the witch smiled and said, 'That's a lovely idea. But I fear, said the witch, 'There's no room!'”
Overcoming Adversity
The story has several small problems, like losing items, and one big problem, the dragon. Each time, the characters show resilience and find a way to solve the problem. The witch does not give up when her hat, bow, or wand are lost, and the animals actively help. The dragon situation, the most dangerous, is solved through cleverness and unity, showing that even in tough times, solutions can be found.
“'YES!' cried the witch, with a happy tear. 'And I, too, am glad to have you all here!”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Repetitive Phrase
The recurring question 'Is there room on the broom for a [animal] like me?'
This phrase is used by each animal as they ask to join the witch on her broom. Its repetition creates a predictable, rhythmic structure, engaging young readers and building anticipation for each new passenger. It also subtly reinforces the theme of inclusivity and the witch's generosity, as she consistently finds a way to accommodate her new friends despite the growing crowd.
Rule of Three (and beyond)
Three lost items, three animals joining before the crisis.
The story initially follows a pattern of three: the witch loses her hat, then her bow, then her wand. Each time, a new animal helps her and joins the broom. This establishes a narrative rhythm. The frog then joins as a fourth, pushing the broom to its breaking point. This slight deviation from 'three' heightens the tension and leads directly to the plot's major conflict, the broom breaking and the dragon's appearance.
Deus ex Machina (subverted)
The 'terrible beast' that saves the witch.
While the 'terrible beast' appears suddenly to save the witch from the dragon, it is not an external, unforeshadowed force. Instead, it is revealed to be the collective efforts of the animal friends who have been part of the story all along. This subversion reinforces the theme of teamwork and friendship, showing that salvation comes from within the group, rather than a magical intervention from outside.
Symbolism of the Broomstick
Represents home, journey, and shared experience.
The broomstick initially represents the witch's mode of transport and her personal space. As more animals join, it symbolizes shared space and the generosity of the witch. Its breaking signifies the point of crisis and the need for collective action. The creation of the new, customized broom at the end symbolizes the strength of their bond and the establishment of a new, inclusive 'home' for all the friends.
Room on the Broom Quotes
“The witch had a cat and a hat as black as a pot, and long ginger hair in a braid down her back.”
“How the cat purred and how the witch grinned as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.”
“Down flew the broomstick into the bog, and the witch's hat blew off in the wind.”
“I am a dog, as keen as can be. Is there room on the broom for a dog like me?”
“The witch tapped the broomstick and whoosh! they were gone.”
“I am a bird, as green as can be. Is there room on the broom for a bird like me?”
“The witch tapped the broomstick and whoosh! they were gone.”
“I am a frog, as clean as can be. Is there room on the broom for a frog like me?”
“The broomstick snapped in two! And the witch had a weep.”
“Down flew the witch in a cauldron, into a pond, with a splash and a plop.”
“Then out from a tree, with an earsplitting shriek, there flew a great dragon, as mean as can be.”
“The dragon flew after her, licking his lips. 'I'll have witch and chips for my tea!'”
“Then out of the pond rose a horrible beast. It was tall, dark, and sticky, and feathered and furred.”
“The dragon flew off at the speed of a rocket, and never came back to that part of the forest.”
“And the witch tapped the new broomstick and whoosh! they were gone.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the first item that the wind blows away from the witch?
- Her bow
- Her wand
- Her hat
- Her broom
Show answer
C. Her hat In the story, the wind first blows away the witch's hat, which is found by a dog. This sets off the chain of events where animals help retrieve her lost items.
Question 2
Which animal finds the witch's bow?
- A frog
- A bird
- A cat
- A dragon
Show answer
B. A bird A green bird finds the witch's bow in a tree and returns it to her, asking for a ride on the broom in return.
Question 3
What do the animals want in return for helping the witch find her lost items?
- A share of her magic
- A ride on the broom
- To be her pets
- Gold coins
Show answer
B. A ride on the broom Each animal that helps the witch—the dog, bird, and frog—asks for a ride on her broomstick, leading to the central question of whether there's room for everyone.
Question 4
How does the witch initially react when the broomstick breaks under the weight of all the animals?
- She gets angry and blames the animals
- She cries and gives up
- She falls into a bog
- She flies away without them
Show answer
C. She falls into a bog When the broomstick snaps in two from carrying too many passengers, the witch and the animals tumble down into a bog, setting up the encounter with the dragon.
Question 5
What does the dragon want to do with the witch?
- Become her friend
- Steal her broom
- Eat her with fries
- Learn magic from her
Show answer
C. Eat her with fries The dragon threatens to eat the witch, specifically mentioning 'witch and chips' (fries), which adds a humorous and menacing element to the story.
Question 6
How do the animals work together to scare away the dragon?
- They use the witch's magic wand
- They create a loud noise by roaring and hissing
- They build a trap
- They offer the dragon a different meal
Show answer
B. They create a loud noise by roaring and hissing The animals—dog, bird, and frog—team up to make a fearsome creature by combining their sounds: the dog barks, the bird shrieks, and the frog croaks, which frightens the dragon away.
Question 7
What does the witch create at the end of the story to accommodate all her new friends?
- A bigger broomstick
- A flying carpet
- A truly magnificent broom
- A magic spell to shrink the animals
Show answer
C. A truly magnificent broom After being saved by the animals, the witch uses her cauldron to brew a potion and create a new, larger broomstick with seats for everyone, emphasizing teamwork and gratitude.
Question 8
Which theme is most prominently illustrated by the animals helping the witch and then working together to save her?
- The importance of solitude
- The value of friendship and cooperation
- The dangers of flying
- The power of magic over nature
Show answer
B. The value of friendship and cooperation The story highlights how friendship and teamwork lead to positive outcomes, as the animals help retrieve lost items and later collaborate to scare off the dragon, showing that together they are stronger.
Question 9
In what order do the animals join the witch on the broom?
- Dog, frog, bird
- Bird, dog, frog
- Dog, bird, frog
- Frog, bird, dog
Show answer
C. Dog, bird, frog The dog finds the hat first, the bird finds the bow second, and the frog finds the wand third, and they join the broom in that sequence, each adding to the passenger load.
Question 10
What literary device is used when the broom breaks, leading to the phrase 'the broom snapped in two'?
- Metaphor
- Onomatopoeia
- Foreshadowing
- Alliteration
Show answer
D. Alliteration The phrase 'broom snapped' uses alliteration, where consecutive words start with the same consonant sound ('b' and 's'), adding a rhythmic quality common in children's literature like this book.
Room on the Broom FAQ
What is 'Room on the Broom' about?
The story follows a kind witch and her cat who fly on a broomstick, losing her hat, bow, and wand to the wind. Three animals—a dog, a bird, and a frog—retrieve each item and ask to join them on the broom. Their journey culminates in a dragon threatening the witch, leading the animals to work together to save her.
Why should I read 'Room on the Broom'?
It's a delightful rhyming tale that teaches themes of kindness, cooperation, and friendship through a simple yet engaging plot. The repetitive structure and vibrant illustrations by Axel Scheffler make it appealing for young children, while its message of inclusivity resonates with all ages.
What is the background/setting of 'Room on the Broom'?
The story is set in a whimsical fantasy world where a witch flies through the sky on a broomstick, encountering various animals and landscapes like forests and hills. The setting shifts from peaceful flights to a tense confrontation with a dragon in a dark cave.
What are the most memorable quotes?
Key quotes include the witch's welcoming phrase, 'Yes, yes! Come and join us!' and the animals' repeated request, 'Is there room on the broom for a [animal] like me?' The climax features the animals' triumphant cry, 'We are a frog, a bird, and a dog, and we've come to save our friend the witch!'
What writing style does the author use?
Julia Donaldson employs a rhythmic, rhyming verse with a repetitive structure that builds anticipation, such as the sequence of losing items and gaining friends. The language is simple and playful, making it easy for children to follow and participate in read-aloud sessions.
What minor details add significant meaning?
The witch's lost items—hat, bow, and wand—symbolize her vulnerability and openness to help, as each loss leads to a new friendship. The broom's gradual overcrowding visually represents the growing community, emphasizing that sharing space strengthens bonds.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
The broom becoming 'crooked' and 'heavy' with each new passenger foreshadows the eventual breakage. The dragon's early mention in illustrations, lurking in the background, hints at the impending danger that tests the group's unity.
What unexpected character connections exist?
The animals—dog, bird, and frog—initially seem unrelated but form a cohesive team based on their shared kindness in helping the witch. Their diverse abilities (e.g., the bird's flight, the frog's leaping) become crucial in the rescue, highlighting how different traits complement each other.
What are unspoken character motivations?
The witch's willingness to invite strangers on her broom stems from a deep-seated loneliness and desire for companionship, beyond mere gratitude. The animals seek not just a ride but acceptance and belonging, as shown by their eagerness to prove their worth during the dragon crisis.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
The cat displays initial jealousy and reluctance as the broom gets crowded, reflecting fear of change, but ultimately embraces the new friends. The dragon's aggression masks a simple hunger-driven motive, making him a straightforward antagonist without malice, adding depth to the conflict.
What are the major emotional turning points?
Key moments include the witch's joy when each animal joins, creating a sense of growing warmth; the tension when the broom snaps, leading to fear and separation; and the catharsis when the animals collaborate to scare the dragon, solidifying their friendship and shared purpose.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
The relationship shifts from a duo (witch and cat) to a diverse group, with initial skepticism giving way to mutual reliance. After the broom breaks, the animals' proactive rescue transforms them from passengers to heroes, cementing a bond of loyalty and equality with the witch.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The story doesn't specify what happens to the dragon after being scared away, leaving its fate open to imagination. Additionally, the origin of the witch's magic or her life beyond the broom is unexplored, focusing instead on the immediate adventure and friendships.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
Some readers debate the witch's decision to overload the broom, questioning if it was reckless, though it's generally seen as a metaphor for inclusivity. The dragon's portrayal as a hungry threat without redemption might be viewed as simplistic, but it serves to highlight the heroes' bravery.
'Room on the Broom' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The witch uses her wand to create a new, magnificent broom with seats for everyone, and they fly off happily together. This ending symbolizes that friendship and teamwork overcome adversity, and that making room for others leads to greater joy and innovation, as seen in the improved broom design.
About the author
Julia Donaldson is a British author known for her children's books, particularly for her engaging rhymes and imaginative storytelling. She is the creator of popular titles such as The Gruffalo, which features a clever mouse and a mythical creature, and Room on the Broom, which tells the tale of a kind witch and her animal friends. Donaldson's work has received numerous awards and has been adapted into various formats, including stage productions.
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