Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories
on Goodreads (1,388)
What’s inside...
A contemporary collection of original short stories by Anica Mrose Rissi that is sure to elicit chills, laughs, and screams, even from the most devoted fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. The anthology features tales that encompass a wide range of horror and suspense, from a prolonged game of hide-and-seek, to a sinister look-alike doll, a shocking school talent-show act, and a summer camp overrun by zombies. Each story is crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring they remain wide-eyed and wary long into the night. For those daring enough to explore the eerie and the uncanny, this collection promises an unforgettable thrill ride.
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different stories in 'Hide and Don't Seek' make you feel, and which one was your favorite?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters in one of the stories?
Why do you think the author chose to leave some stories with open endings? What do you imagine happens next?
How do you think the characters could have changed the outcomes of their stories?
Did any of the stories teach you something or make you think differently? What was it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child how they felt about the book overall, allowing them to express any excitement or fears they experienced while reading.
Encourage your child to describe the setting and characters of their favorite story, helping them to develop their narrative skills.
Discuss the decision-making and problem-solving aspects of the stories, asking your child what they would have done differently, fostering critical thinking.
Use the stories with open endings as a creative prompt, encouraging your child to imagine and articulate their own conclusions, enhancing their creativity.
Relate the themes or morals of the stories to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, making the reading experience both relevant and educational.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of facing fears
Explanation: Through the series of spine-tingling tales in 'Hide and Don't Seek,' children are exposed to characters who encounter and face various fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to confront and manage their own fears, whether it's trying something new or facing the dark, taking lessons from the characters' bravery and experiences.
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking
Explanation: The stories challenge readers to think critically about the situations characters find themselves in, encouraging problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in their daily lives, assessing situations from different angles and making informed decisions when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Each story illustrates that choices have outcomes, showing the repercussions that follow certain actions taken by the characters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about the consequences of their actions in everyday situations, promoting responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Characters in the stories come from diverse backgrounds and face unique challenges, providing readers with the understanding of different life perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be empathetic towards friends and peers who may be different from them, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The eerie and fantastical elements of the stories stimulate the imagination, showcasing how creativity can create entire worlds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to use their imagination in play, storytelling, and problem solving, emphasizing that creativity is a valuable skill in all areas of life.