#4 in Goosebumps Series
Say Cheese and Die
on Goodreads (6,517)
What’s inside...
In the book, 'Say Cheese and Die!', we follow the story of Greg and his friends who find a strange, old camera. The pictures taken by the camera show disasters that haven't happened yet. The friends must untangle the mystery of the camera before it's too late.
Discussion points
How did the characters' choices influence the events in the story, and what might you have done differently if you were in their shoes?
What role does friendship play in the book, and how do the characters support each other during challenging times?
How do you think the camera affected the characters' behavior and decisions? Discuss the impact of mysterious or inexplicable events in our lives.
What feelings did you experience while reading about the spooky elements of the story? How did the author build suspense throughout the book?
Can you think of any other way the story might have ended? What creative alternatives can you imagine for the finale?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen actively without interrupting to foster open communication.
Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of certain actions or decisions, tying them into real-life scenarios that your child might encounter.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and friendship depicted in the book and relate those concepts to your child’s everyday interactions and behavior.
Discuss the supernatural elements of the book and ask your child how they differentiate between reality and fiction. This can help develop critical thinking skills.
End your discussion with a creative twist by asking your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, enhancing their creative and analytical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of one's actions
Explanation: In 'Say Cheese and Die,' the characters find a camera that produces images showing ominous outcomes. This premise underlines the importance of thinking before acting, as the characters face consequences from using the camera recklessly.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by thinking through potential outcomes before making decisions, emphasizing the importance of caution and forethought in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the group of friends must work together to solve the mystery of the camera. This narrative fosters the idea that collaboration and supporting each other are crucial in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can learn to collaborate effectively with their peers in school projects or during sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Dealing with fear and unknown situations
Explanation: The mysterious and somewhat scary situations the characters encounter teach them to cope with their fears. The book portrays various strategies the characters use to manage and overcome their fear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify what scares them and develop personal strategies to face and manage those fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, facing a tough exam, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and its limits
Explanation: The protagonist’s curiosity about the camera drives the story, but also leads to dangerous situations. This illustrates that while curiosity is a valuable trait, it should be balanced with caution.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be curious and eager to explore new things, but also reminds them to be aware of boundaries and listen to guidance from trusted adults.