John Midas and the Vampires
#5 in John Midas Series
What’s inside...
When John Midas wins a video horror competition his prize is a family holiday in Gothic World, the new, lavish theme park in Transylvania. The theme, of course, is horror. But no experience is too much for John, or is it?
Discussion points
What do you think John Midas learned about friendship by the end of the story?
How would you help a friend who made a mistake like John did?
What would you do if you were in a situation similar to John's with the vampires?
How do the vampires in the story differ from other vampires you know about from books or movies?
Why is it important to think about the consequences of our actions, as seen in John's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a relaxed reading environment to discuss the story's events and characters. Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story, enhancing their critical thinking. Relate themes from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, fostering deeper understanding and empathy. Use the vampires' unique traits in the story as a fun starting point to explore differences in character interpretations across various stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of one's actions
Explanation: John Midas learns the hard way that his decisions can have dire consequences, not just for himself but also for others around him. His interactions with vampires teach him about responsibility and caution.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by thinking through their decisions, big or small, and considering how they might affect themselves and others before acting.
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and courage
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, John shows bravery when facing the vampires, which helps him overcome his fears and challenges.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their fears, whether it's speaking out in class, trying new activities, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendship and teamwork
Explanation: In his quest against the vampires, John learns that working together with friends can make a formidable force against challenges, showing how crucial teamwork and camaraderie are.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of collaborating with others, sharing tasks, and supporting friends to achieve common goals or solve problems.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: John makes several mistakes during his encounters with vampires, but each mishap teaches him valuable lessons that contribute to his growth.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of accepting mistakes, learning from them, and using the experience to make better choices in the future.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: John gains insight into the lives and struggles of the vampires, which teaches him to empathize and see situations from different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that everyone has their own stories and struggles, encouraging them to empathize with others and appreciate diversity in thoughts and experiences.