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Autumn Breeze & Her Not So Haunted House

What’s inside...

Autumn Breeze always wanted to live in a haunted house. In this story, her imagination runs wild with the spooky things she hopes for but then, reality quickly sets in. Her house isn’t so haunted after all. She longs for a ghostly adventure but realizes that she should just be happy with what she has. Don’t give up hope, Autumn Breeze, there is a surprise in store! Sometimes what we wish for happens when we least expect it.
Age

4-12

Length

62 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think Autumn Breeze felt when she discovered her house wasn't really haunted?
How did Autumn Breeze show bravery throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in Autumn Breeze's place?
Why do you think the author chose a 'not so haunted house' for the story's setting?
How do the characters in the story help each other overcome their fears?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with fear or surprise.
Ask your child to think about a time when something turned out to be less scary than they initially thought, similar to Autumn's story.
Discuss the importance of bravery and helping friends, as shown by Autumn Breeze, and relate these traits to real-life situations your child may face.
Use a calm and curious tone to explore the themes of the book, making your child comfortable to share their thoughts and feelings.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Autumn Breeze confronts her fear of the rumored haunted house, discovering it's not as scary as she thought.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Autumn’s adventure in the house is driven by her curiosity, leading her to explore and ultimately uncover the truth.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and investigate their surroundings, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: Autumn learns the true story of the house and the misunderstood characters within, teaching her to look beyond rumors and first impressions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic and considerate, understanding others' circumstances before making judgments.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Trust
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Autumn relies on her friends and learns the importance of trust within those relationships.
Real-World Application: Promotes the value of building trust and supporting friends, vital for developing strong interpersonal relationships in real life.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The story highlights Autumn’s imaginative interpretations of the house’s peculiar events before learning the truth.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use their imagination in daily life, enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Autumn Breeze & Her Not So Haunted House by Ann Marie Perales Thompson