Short & Shivery: Scary Short Stories for Kids
#1 in Short & Shivery Series
What’s inside...
Thirty hair-raising tales, selected from international ghostlore, have been skillfully retold especially for young people. Eerie black-and-white illustrations, ghastly details, and strong, shuddery endings make these the kind of stories young readers crave. Famous stories like The Robber Bridegroom by the Brothers Grimm, Tailypo, and The Golem are included, as well as retellings of stories by some of the world's greatest authors, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Washington Irving. From the Trade Paperback edition. Make story time a little spookier with this Halloween-themed collection of ghost stories, spooky shorts, and frightening folktales from all over the world! Chills and thrills to make your flesh crawl with fear! Turn the lights down low and grab your favorite reading chair. But first, you’d better check behind you. Ghosts, monsters, murders, and madmen! These thirty stories have been collected for your reading displeasure from all over the globe, and represent the world’s best scary stories and frightening folktales, featuring famous authors such as Washington Irving and the Brothers Grimm. Welcome to a chilling world of hair-raising tales!
Discussion points
Which story did you find the most thrilling and why?
How did the characters in the stories handle their fears? Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear?
What do you think the main message or moral of your favorite story was?
How would you have ended the story differently if you were the author?
Did any of the stories remind you of any other stories or movies you know? How were they similar or different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy, comfortable reading environment to make the experience enjoyable and less intimidating. Use expressive voices and pauses to bring the stories to life. After reading, relate the themes or characters to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the stories. Always validate their feelings and thoughts, showing genuine interest in their perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in confronting fears
Explanation: Many stories in 'Short & Shivery' feature characters who face and overcome their fears, teaching children the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by tackling new challenges or fears such as trying a new sport, speaking in front of a class, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: The importance of cleverness and resourcefulness
Explanation: Characters in these stories often use their wits to solve problems or escape perilous situations, highlighting the benefits of quick thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use cleverness and resourcefulness in real-life situations like solving puzzles, handling conflicts among friends, or coming up with creative solutions in their studies.
Example Lesson: Moral consequences of one’s actions
Explanation: Some tales in the book deal with themes of karma and justice, where characters face consequences based on their actions, conveying the importance of making ethical decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to consider the consequences before acting and encourage them to engage in positive behaviors that reflect well on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: In several stories, encountering diverse characters and their plights teach readers to understand and empathize with people who are different from themselves.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more understanding and empathetic towards their classmates and peers who might come from different backgrounds or have different experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenging times
Explanation: The protagonists often endure hardships but persevere, a key lesson in resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain resilient during difficult times in their lives, such as moving to a new school, dealing with family issues, or overcoming personal setbacks.