Spooky Stories (Treasuries)
The Kingfisher Treasury Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
A collection of 14 spooky tales with just the right tingle factor for young children, this book includes retellings of traditional tales from India, America, Britain and the Caribbean, as well as more contemporary stories. It features spooky stories from around the world, including familiar ghost stories and contributions from contemporary writers such as Margaret Mahy, Jan Mark, Ruskin Bond, and Grace Hallworth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite spooky story from the book and why did it stand out to you?
How would you feel if you were a character in one of these stories? What would you do in their situation?
Can you think of a different ending for any of the spooky stories we read together?
What lessons, if any, did the characters in the stories learn? Can you apply any of those lessons to your own life?
How do the illustrations enhance the spookiness of the stories? Which illustrations caught your attention the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child's imagination and critical thinking by asking them to visualize themselves within the story world, prompting them to think about their actions and decisions. Discuss with them the moral or lesson each story might convey, helping them connect the fictional scenarios to real-life values and decisions. Highlight how illustrations contribute to the mood and encourage them to describe or draw scenes as they imagined them. This not only improves their comprehension but also develops creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Throughout 'Spooky Stories,' characters often encounter eerie scenarios that require them to be brave. This bravery helps them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing their fears, whether it's trying out for a school play or dealing with a dark room, can lead to personal growth and overcoming challenges in real life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Many of the stories show characters working together to solve mysteries or escape spooky situations, illustrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in playing sports, fostering a sense of community and shared achievement.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The characters often use their imagination to solve problems or make sense of the spooky events around them, highlighting creative thinking as a powerful tool.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to approach problems in school or in play, enhancing their problem-solving skills and encouraging innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: In some stories, interactions with 'spooky' characters who are misunderstood teach the importance of empathy and accepting differences.
Real-World Application: This helps children realize the importance of embracing diversity and understanding people who are different from themselves, promoting inclusivity and respect.