Greta and the Ghost Hunters
illustrations by
on Goodreads (174)
What’s inside...
The hilarious tale of a family coming to terms with its ghosts - literally. Greta Woebegone did not believe in ghosts because she was a sensible young girl and sensible young girls tend not to believe in ghosts. That was until the day she was knocked over by a car and died, then everything changed. As she recovers, Greta discovers she can see and talk to the spirits haunting her ancestral home, including her Grandpa Woebegone and Percy the poo-pushing plague victim, along with a sinister poltergeist in the cellar. Can Greta save the ghosts from being exorcised? Can the ghosts help Greta stop her beloved Grandma from being put in a home? And can any of them face the traumas in their pasts that are holding them back from the future? From the acclaimed author of Charlie Changes Into a Chicken comes a touching and side-splitting new story guaranteed to delight readers of nine and up.
Discussion points
How do you think Greta felt when she met the ghosts for the first time? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What is the most important lesson Greta learned during her adventures? Why do you think that lesson is important?
If you could have a ghost friend like Greta, what would you do together? What makes a good friend, ghost or not?
How do the ghost hunters change throughout the story? What do you think caused them to change?
What would you do if you were in Greta's place? How would you handle the ghosts and the ghost hunters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions and actions in the story, relating them to their own experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that explore the morals and themes of the story, enabling the child to think critically about the narrative.
Highlight the friendship elements within the book to discuss the importance of understanding, empathy, and loyalty with your child.
Utilize the adventurous aspects of the story to ignite your child’s imagination, asking them what they would invent or explore if they were in Greta’s world.
Promote empathy by asking your child how they think the various characters felt in different situations, and how they might help a friend in similar circumstances.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Greta, the protagonist, demonstrates bravery as she encounters and interacts with various ghosts, teaching children the value of facing their fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by tackling new challenges at school or social situations with confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Greta collaborates with others to solve mysteries. This shows how working together can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value cooperative play and group projects, understanding that teamwork can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: Greta's interactions with the ghosts help her understand their stories and perspectives, promoting empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to their peers and show kindness, fostering a supportive environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book showcases Greta using her intellect and creativity to navigate through the mysteries, emphasizing critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to apply thoughtful analysis and creative solutions to their own real-life problems and schoolwork.