Garret The Ghost Does Not Like Halloween
What’s inside...
Every ghost loves Halloween, every ghost except Garret. The other ghosts love to shout their OOOs and BOOs, but Garret would much rather tell jokes for HAHAs and HEHEs. This Halloween, Garret has a plan to add some laughter to this ghostly gathering. Get ready for a Halloween story filled with spooky silliness!
Age
3-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Garret felt about Halloween at the beginning of the story and how did his feelings change by the end?
What are some ways Garret tried to face his fears? Have you ever felt scared like Garret, and what did you do?
Why do you think the other characters wanted to help Garret enjoy Halloween? How do you feel when you help someone?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you could give Garret one piece of advice about being scared, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about Halloween and any fears they might have, connecting them with Garret's experiences.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how the other characters in the book help Garret.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or other fears Garret might have, enhancing their creative and analytical thinking.
Use the book’s illustrations to discuss visual storytelling and how pictures help us understand the story and emotions of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, Garret the Ghost feels left out and scared during Halloween, unlike other children who enjoy the festival. The other characters learn to understand Garret's feelings and help him to find his own way to enjoy the celebration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others who might be different from them and find ways to be inclusive and supportive.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Garret eventually confronts his fear of Halloween with the help of his friends. This helps him to participate and enjoy the festivities.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears, knowing that it's okay to be afraid and that sometimes, with a little help, they can overcome their fears and enjoy new experiences.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: To help Garret enjoy Halloween, his friends create new games and traditions that are not scary. This showcases how a little creativity can alter a situation for the better.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to use their imagination to alter or cope with situations around them, making them less intimidating and more enjoyable.
Example Lesson: The importance of Friendship
Explanation: Garret's friends play a crucial role in helping him change his view about Halloween by being supportive and understanding.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the value of friendship and how friends can help one navigate through challenging times.