Freaky Stuff
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Freaky Stuff is a collection of bizarre and unusual stories from around the world. Author Richard Tulloch takes readers on a journey to explore strange customs, traditions, and phenomena that will leave them both fascinated and bewildered. From peculiar rituals to odd inventions, this book is a captivating and entertaining look at the weird and wonderful aspects of human culture. The second narrative, Premonition, follows Brian Hobble as he navigates the challenges of surviving flesh-eating zombies and rollerblading off an extreme ramp, all while dealing with the terror of kissing a girl. Both stories capture the essence of strange yet thrilling experiences.
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Freaky Stuff' handle unexpected situations? What would you have done in their place?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the story? How can you apply these lessons to your own life?
Which character did you find most interesting or relatable, and why?
How do you think the friendships in the book changed from the beginning to the end?
Imagine you could add another 'freaky' event to the story. What would it be and how would it affect the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and connect personal experiences with those of the characters to deepen understanding.
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and articulate their responses, showing genuine interest in their ideas.
Praise creative answers to foster a positive and open conversational environment.
Relate discussions to real-life situations to help your child see the relevance of the book’s themes in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Marty, struggles to fit in but ultimately learns to appreciate his unique qualities. This helps him make true friends who accept him as he is.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own differences and see them as strengths, fostering self-confidence and authenticity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Marty encounters various obstacles but uses his wits and resourcefulness to overcome them, showing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by tackling their own challenges, whether at school or in personal relationships, with determination and creativity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the support and camaraderie between Marty and his friends underscore the importance of having strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to nurture friendships and be supportive peers, which can improve their social skills and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Marty makes mistakes but learns from them, which leads to personal growth and better decisions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see mistakes as learning opportunities, helping them to develop problem-solving skills and resilience.