The Scarecrows of Crowhill
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In a small town called Crowhill, strange occurrences surround the scarecrows that watch over the fields. When a group of children stumbles upon a hidden secret, they embark on an adventure that reveals more about their town's history and their own families than they ever could have imagined.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when the scarecrows came to life in the story?
Why do you think the scarecrows were important to the village of Crowhill?
How did the characters' actions affect their friends and the village?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story, affirming their feelings.
Relate themes from the book to real-life experiences to help your child connect with the story more deeply.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them.
Use follow-up questions to encourage deeper thinking and understanding of the book’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and Compassion
Explanation: In 'The Scarecrows of Crowhill', the scarecrows, although initially frightening, are depicted as misunderstood protectors of the crops. This teaches children the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand and appreciate others' true intentions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion towards classmates who may seem different, and by making an effort to understand peers rather than making quick judgments.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the scarecrows must work together to protect the hill from various threats. This story highlight demonstrates how collaboration and relying on each other’s strengths leads to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate actively in group tasks, whether in school projects or team sports, appreciating each member's unique contributions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The young protagonist faces her fears by approaching the scarecrows, which she initially finds terrifying. This adventure emphasizes the value of courage and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own fears, whether it's trying out a new activity, or standing up for themselves and others in challenging situations.