#7 in Goosebumps Series
Night of the Living Dummy
on Goodreads (31,968)
What’s inside...
Lindy and Kris become interested in ventriloquism, but they hardly suspect that Kris' new dummy has a mind of its own.
Discussion points
How did you feel about the characters' decisions in the story? What would you have done differently if you were in their place?
What do you think the main message or theme of 'Night of the Living Dummy' is? How does that theme relate to real life?
How does the friendship in the story impact the events? Can you share an experience where a friend helped you in a difficult situation?
What role do you think fear plays in this book? How do the characters handle their fears?
If you could ask a character in the book one question, who and what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book, making it a two-way conversation that encourages open expression.
Offer reassurance and understanding, especially if aspects of the story were frightening, emphasizing that it's just fiction.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's experiences, asking them to draw parallels which may help them better understand their own feelings and actions.
Encourage them to think critically about the characters' decisions and the consequences, guiding them to reflect on choices they make in their own lives.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to address and dispel any fears they might have, relating back to how characters in the story manage their own fears.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Night of the Living Dummy', the characters confront a spooky ventriloquist dummy, showcasing bravery despite their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own fears, whether it’s speaking in front of a class or trying out for a sports team, understanding that courage can help them overcome challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story illustrates how the characters' decisions, like mishandling the dummy, lead to various consequences, both good and bad.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think before acting and consider the potential outcomes of their choices, helping them develop better decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists often work together as a family to solve the mystery of the dummy, emphasizing cooperation and familial support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing teamwork and seeking support from family members during difficult times or collaborative projects.
Example Lesson: Handling jealousy
Explanation: Characters in the book experience feelings of jealousy which influence their interactions. The story explores the impact of these emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and manage their feelings of jealousy, encouraging them to communicate their emotions constructively and empathize with others.