Cat’s Cradle – Witch’s Broom

Recently, I received this Cat’s cradle book and it was a real blast from the past as it triggered memories of playing this in the playground with my school mates. It was really popular during my childhood among all the girls as they tried to solve the next challenge!

This book shows you step-by-step and the name of each move. I never knew that they have names, like cat’s cradle, soldier’s bed, diamonds etc.

It also comes with three long strings: red, purple and pink. One of the strings snapped but it is fairly straightforward to join back together by using a lighter to melt both ends together.

This is Mr C teaching Mr K how to do the next step. It was quite hard but after a few practises he managed to get it right. The book gives clear instructions to follow. We needed a few practise rounds before we got it right! There are 13 cat’s cradle challenges to learn. This will be great for two older siblings to practise at home or play it with friends in school.

Now I am going to demonstrate the witch’s broom.

1. Start by making as shown.
   
2. Use right forefinger to pick up the left palm string but don’t pull on this string.
   
3. As right hand moves back to its starting position, the forefinger moves away from body and twists the right forefinger loop 360 degrees and pull hands apart to tighten the string.
   
   
4. The left forefinger then moves right through the right forefinger loop. And picks up the right palm string. Now release right thumb and right little finger loops at the same time. Then pull your hands apart.

It does sound very complicated! But after a few tries, you should be able to get it right! This Cat’s cradle book costs only RRP £4.99 which is reasonable. Did you play this during your childhood? Do your children play this too?

Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for free. However, they have not paid me for this review, and they do not exercise any editorial control over my review or anything else on this site.