Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (Book #5)
#5 in Ghoulia Series
What’s inside...
In the fifth installment of Barbara Cantini’s delightfully spooky series, Ghoulia, the kind-hearted zombie girl of Crumbling Manor, heads to the seaside for a break with Auntie Departed and her motley crew of undead friends. A mysterious, half-crumbled map and a legend about a sunken village lure Ghoulia beneath the waves, where she discovers long-forgotten residents who need help repairing their underwater home. Blending humor, gentle scares, and themes of friendship and acceptance, the story follows Ghoulia as she devises creative solutions, overcomes her own pangs of fear, and joins land- and sea-dwelling misfits in a joyous celebration that unites two unlikely communities.
Character compass
Ghoulia
Tragedy
Auntie Departed
Discussion points
Why does Ghoulia decide to help the underwater residents?
How do the sea-folk feel about outsiders at first, and what changes their minds?
What real-world problems resemble the village’s flooding?
Which invention in the story would you like to build?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a mini map together, or role-play a scene where your child suggests a creative fix just like Ghoulia.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Helping others builds stronger communities
Explanation: Ghoulia unites land and sea residents through cooperative repairs.
Real-World Application: Look for ways to assist neighbors or classmates in need.
Example Lesson: Creativity can solve big problems
Explanation: The bone-boat and recycled materials save the underwater village.
Real-World Application: Encourage crafting solutions from household items before buying new.
Example Lesson: Courage means acting despite feeling afraid
Explanation: Ghoulia admits her worries but dives in anyway to help.
Real-World Application: Discuss a time your child tried something new, highlighting bravery.
Example Lesson: Accepting differences leads to friendship
Explanation: Land and sea characters learn to appreciate each other’s quirks.
Real-World Application: Celebrate classmates’ diverse backgrounds and talents.