Shock Forest : And Other Stories
White Wolves Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Margaret Mahy was renowned for creating vivid fantasy landscapes, and this collection presents five classic Mahy fantasy stories in an accessible form. Guided reading notes are also available to help schools get the most out of this title. In each of these five stories, fantasy is at work in unusual and powerful ways. There's also a common theme of the pull that buildings have over people, whether they become houses in which characters find safety and comfort or prisons that can trap and oppress. These enchanting stories - by turns hilariously funny and unsettlingly spooky - have been taken from some of Margaret Mahy's best collections.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite story in 'Shock Forest', and what made it stand out to you?
How did the characters' choices affect the outcomes of the stories?
If you could create your own magical forest, what unusual things would you include in it?
How do the settings in the stories influence the characters and their adventures?
How would you change the ending of any story in the book? What would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the various settings of the stories, asking how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the stories, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection.
Use the stories as a springboard to explore broader topics such as friendship, bravery, and the consequences of one's actions.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to draw scenes or characters from the book, or even write their own short story inspired by Mahy's tales.
Celebrate your child's responses and ideas, affirming their thoughts and encouraging a love for reading and storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Courage
Explanation: In 'Shock Forest', characters often face fearsome situations, such as encountering mysterious creatures in the forest. Their bravery in confronting the unknown teaches the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and challenges, whether it be trying out for a sports team, standing up against a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Shock Forest', characters develop deep bonds and work together to overcome obstacles, exemplifying how friendship can provide support and strength.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cultivate and value friendships, offering mutual support and company in both fun and challenging times.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements and inventive scenarios in 'Shock Forest' stimulate the imagination, highlighting how creativity can lead to novel solutions and adventures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their creativity in problem-solving, play, and expressing themselves through art, storytelling, or other imaginative activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of 'Shock Forest' itself, the richly described landscapes inform and teach about the beauty and significance of nature and our environment.
Real-World Application: This can foster a sense of responsibility in children towards environmental conservation and an appreciation for the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: Characters in 'Shock Forest' come from various backgrounds and have different perspectives, representing a microcosm of society that teaches the value of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing differences, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions with others.