Short and Shivery : Thirty Chilling Tales
#1 in Short & Shivery Series
What’s inside...
A collection of thirty short and spooky tales from the folklore of Russia, Virginia, Ireland, Canada, and other areas of the world. Make story time a little spookier with this Halloween-themed collection of ghost stories, spooky shorts, and frightening folktales from all over the world. Everyone loves a spooky story. 'Short & Shivery' invites you into the world of hair-raising tales chock-full of chills. The thirty stories in this book have been carefully selected from international ghost lore and skillfully retold with ghastly details and strong, shuddery endings. Come inside and meet characters like the young miller's daughter, the dancing skeleton, the Golem, and many other intriguing characters in stories from the Brothers Grimm, Washington Irving, and other world-famous authors. But before you settle down in your cozy reading chair, make sure all the lights are on!
Discussion points
Which story did you find the most chilling, and why did it have that effect on you?
How do the characters in the stories demonstrate bravery or cleverness in facing their fears?
What lessons can we learn about different cultures from these tales?
If you could change the ending of any story in the book, which one would it be and what would the new ending look like?
How does the setting influence the mood of the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each story, whether they found it scary, intriguing, or amusing, and explore why they felt that way.
Discuss the moral or message of each tale and relate it to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use the stories as a springboard to explore more about the folklore and traditions of different cultures, enriching their understanding and appreciation.
Share your own reactions to the stories to model thoughtful engagement and show that it's okay to have different responses to the same tale.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Many tales in 'Short and Shivery' involve characters who must confront and overcome their fears to achieve their goals or save the day.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a team, standing up to a bully, or sleeping in the dark, understanding that bravery can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of critical thinking
Explanation: In these chilling tales, protagonists often use reasoning and cleverness to solve problems or escape perilous situations.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think situations through and assess the best course of action during challenges in their daily life, helping them to become more independent and problem-solving oriented.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The stories frequently depict characters who face consequences, for better or worse, based on their decisions, teaching that choices have impacts.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of responsibility and foresight in children, understanding that their decisions can affect themselves and others, and encourages them to make thoughtful choices.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness
Explanation: Characters who display kindness often find help in unexpected ways, highlighting the benefits and ripple effects of being kind.
Real-World Application: Children learn to practice kindness daily, which can build a supportive community around them and foster positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Many protagonists encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges but persevere, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that enduring difficult situations and working towards solutions, despite failures, is important for personal growth and achieving goals.