NIGHTMARES! THE LOST LULLABY
#3 of 3 in Nightmares! Series
What’s inside...
Charlie Laird is experiencing strange occurrences that leave him with a bad feeling. A new girl at school seems familiar, he hears unusual noises at night, and his nightmares have returned, stranger than ever. In his dreams, he finds himself in a Netherworld field surrounded by creepy black sheep that refuse to jump or do much at all. More unsettling is that Charlie is trapped in someone else’s nightmare, likely caused by the troublesome twins, Ick and Ink. Despite thinking they had dealt with the twins previously, the woolly nightmares are intensifying, and Ink has appeared at Cypress Creek Elementary. Charlie believes Ink is up to no good, and if he’s correct, it could be a long time before anyone has sweet dreams again. This is the third book in the hilariously scary Nightmares! series.
Character compass
Charlie Laird
Paige
Alfie
Rocco
Charlotte Dechant
Discussion points
How do you think Charlie felt when he faced his nightmares? What would you do in his place?
What role do you think friendship plays in overcoming fears in the story?
Why is it important to confront our fears, according to the book?
Can you think of a time when you were scared and overcame your fear? How did you feel afterwards?
If you could create a lullaby to keep nightmares away, what would it be like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of confronting fears by drawing parallels between the protagonist’s journey and personal experiences your child might have had.
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions of different characters and how your child might feel in similar situations.
Use the concept of teamwork in the book to discuss the value of support from friends and family when facing challenges.
Reinforce the creative aspect of the book by asking your child to imagine their own solutions to the challenges the characters face.
After reading, consider co-creating a 'magical' lullaby with your child that incorporates elements from the story, enhancing their connection to the narrative and its themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: In 'Nightmares! The Lost Lullaby,' characters confront and overcome their fears, demonstrating courage and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their own fears, whether it’s dealing with dark rooms, new environments, or personal insecurities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and friendship
Explanation: The story showcases characters working together to solve problems, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support in friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value teamwork and build strong, supportive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: The protagonists use creative solutions to navigate challenges, highlighting the role of imagination in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to use creative thinking in their daily challenges, whether in school projects or interpersonal issues.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently encounter setbacks but continue to push forward, illustrating the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and not being discouraged by failure, but rather learning and growing from it.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters express their thoughts and feelings, which is crucial for their personal growth and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to openly express themselves, enhancing their emotional intelligence and strengthening their social connections.