Scarum Fair
What’s inside...
Enter the Scarum Fair ... if you dare! Take a ride on the Scary-Go-Round and Teacup Terror, or enter the Coffin Race. Meet The Head, The Hand, and Madame Ratowski, the palm reader who likes to be paid in swiss cheese. Visit the chiropractic tent of Dr. Crunch, who'll 'pulverize your sternum, and disconnect your knee, then move your metatarsals where your tailbone used to be.' And unusual food awaits: sample some cat-hair stew, I-scream, and a type-A blood-red punch. Cap off the entertainment with a special event: Count Dracula's wedding. Jessica Swaims's deliciously creepy, funny poems are brought to life by Carol Ashley's gorgeous, ghoulish illustrations in this CRA Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Silver Honor Book.
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you visited a fair like the Scarum Fair? What would you be most excited or scared to see?
Why do you think the author chose to make the fair spooky? What feelings does it bring out when you read about it?
Which poem was your favorite and why? How did the illustrations make the poem feel more alive?
If you could create your own spooky fair ride, what would it be like? What creatures or surprises would you include?
How do the characters in the poems react to the scary things at the fair? Would you react the same way or differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's themes, whether they find them exciting or a bit scary.
Discuss the connection between the words and the pictures, and how they work together to create a spooky atmosphere.
Ask your child to imagine their own spooky story or poem, inspired by the fair, to foster creativity and make connections with the book’s content.
Use the poems as a fun way to explore rhymes and rhythms, enhancing your child's phonetic awareness and enjoyment of language.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears and embracing challenges
Explanation: In 'Scarum Fair,' the characters face various spooky situations at a peculiar fairground. By engaging with the creepy attractions, they learn to confront and manage their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their own fears and anxieties, whether it's trying new activities or facing academic challenges, knowing that overcoming these fears can lead to personal growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of humor and laughter
Explanation: The book showcases a series of witty poems and illustrations that bring humor to traditionally scary themes, teaching kids to find fun and laughter in different situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that humor can be a powerful tool to cope with difficult emotions and situations, enhancing their ability to remain joyful and resilient.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements and bizarre characters of 'Scarum Fair' encourage readers to think outside the box and appreciate creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their own imagination in play and problem-solving, increasing their creative thinking skills which are vital in their educational journey and daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Through its diverse array of characters, the book portrays various viewpoints, promoting an understanding and appreciation of differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing empathy, encouraging them to consider and respect different perspectives in their interactions with others.