#47 in Goosebumps Series
Vampire Breath
on Goodreads (6,162)
What’s inside...
Freddy and his friend Cara stumble upon a coffin in the basement of Freddy's house. The coffin contains a vampire who, when he awakes, possesses a flask of Vampire Breath, which takes the two children on a scary adventure back in time to the days of Transylvania.
Character compass
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a secret passage in your house, like the characters in 'Vampire Breath'?
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the vampire? What would you feel in that situation?
Why is it important to confront fears rather than run away from them, as shown in the book?
What did you learn about friendships from the interactions between the characters in 'Vampire Breath'?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words to gauge their comprehension and recall.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in the characters' situations, helping them connect deeper with the story.
Discuss the moral lessons of the book, such as facing fears and valuing friendships, to reinforce these concepts.
Invite them to imagine alternate endings or plot twists to foster creativity and engagement with the narrative.
Use the discussion as a way to address any fears or anxieties your child may express, providing reassurance and support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Vampire Breath,' the characters confront their fear when they encounter the vampire. This part of the story highlights their bravery and resourcefulness in dealing with unexpected challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to be scared, but courage is choosing to act despite those fears. This can help them tackle new challenges in school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of responsibility
Explanation: The main characters accidentally unleash the vampire, an event that teaches them about the consequences of their actions and the importance of responsibility in managing unexpected situations.
Real-World Application: This will help children understand that their actions have consequences, teaching them to think and act responsibly, whether it's following rules at home, in school, or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout 'Vampire Breath,' characters are put in situations where they have to think quickly and solve problems in order to stay safe from the vampire, strengthening their problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in real life, enhancing their ability to think critically and find solutions to obstacles they face academically or socially.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters need to cooperate to handle the threat posed by the vampire, demonstrating how teamwork is pivotal in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work effectively in groups, which is essential in collaborative tasks at school or in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing fear
Explanation: The book explores different aspects of fear through the interactions with the vampire, teaching children about managing and understanding their fears.
Real-World Application: This can help children in recognizing their emotions and managing their fears in various life scenarios, promoting emotional intelligence and resilience.