The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods

Discussion questions:

• What does Rene learn about compromise and creativity?

• Could the café be in a different place and still tell the same story? Why or why not?

• What do you think might happen next at the café? Who could visit, and what unusual food might they want?

• Think of a time you’ve tried something new. Did you expect to like it right away? 

Vocabulary:

• Cuisine: A style of cooking

• Pickled: Food soaked in vinegar or salty water to make it last longer and taste sour

• Delicacy: A special or fancy food that people think is a treat

• Savory: Salty or spicy, not sweet

• Aromatic: Smells strong and nice (like herbs and spices)

Video content

Mickey Please’s website includes a video showing how he made a page in the book. 

Activities:

• Mickey Please’s website has a link to worksheets that include: a menu template, 3 coloring pages, a design your own cafe worksheet, and a spot the difference picture challenge. You have to download his resources to access them.

• Could you think of a wacky but fun dish for an enchanted forest creature? How would you make it delicious? Invite students to imagine, design, or even draw their own enchanted menu item.

• Put out a menu from a popular local restaurant. Have students rename the foods tailored to different creatures.

• Make a class recipe book. Each student can pick a fairy tale, fantasy, mythical creature/character and design a meal for that character.

Companion Books