Ghoulish Song
#2 in Zombay Series
on Goodreads (490)
What’s inside...
In Ghoulish Song, a brave girl named Kaile lives in Zombay, a city filled with goblins and witches. She dreams of becoming a musician and is thrilled when she receives a flute carved from bone by a goblin. However, the flute's mournful song separates Kaile from her shadow, causing her family to force her out of their home. As Kaile and her shadow navigate the dangerous city, they learn the flute is linked to a ghoul made from the bones of drowned individuals. With the ghoul in pursuit and the river threatening to flood, Kaile must learn the right tune to save Zombay. This adventure, set in the world of Goblin Secrets, combines humor and mystery in a gripping tale by National Book Award-winning author William Alexander.
Character compass
Kaile
Discussion points
How do you think Kaile’s life changed after her adventure? What would you do in her situation?
What does the concept of bravery mean in the story? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Kaile?
How do the different characters in the book help Kaile on her journey? What does this tell us about the importance of help and cooperation?
What role does music play in the story? How do you think music affects our lives and emotions?
How do you think the story would have changed if Kaile had made different decisions? Can you think of any decisions that you would have made differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Kaile’s adventures, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the character.
Discuss the moral and ethical choices characters make in the book, prompting your child to think critically about right and wrong.
Highlight the importance of courage and resourcefulness, two main themes of the book, by relating them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Use examples from the book to talk about the significance of friendship and teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book through creative activities like drawing or composing a small song, mirroring the protagonist’s musical connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Kaile, bravely confronts supernatural challenges after being separated from her shadow, showcasing her resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own fears and challenges courageously, regardless of how daunting they may seem.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-identity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Kaile's journey is not just about survival, but also about understanding and embracing who she is without her shadow.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and appreciate their own unique qualities and identities, even when faced with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Kaile's interactions with other characters in the story, particularly those who are also dealing with their own struggles, highlight themes of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of being empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, promoting a more compassionate approach to interactions.
Example Lesson: Persistence and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is filled with obstacles that require creative thinking and persistence to overcome.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties and encourages developing problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Kaile often collaborates with others to tackle challenges that are too big to handle alone.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of teamwork and how cooperation can lead to achieving common goals and overcoming hurdles.