Ace Ghosts (Antelope Books)
Creakie Hall Series
What’s inside...
This spooky tale is part of the antelope series that make it easy for children just starting to read on their own to read a complete book. The theme of the story is a decaying mansion and the ghosts who live there helping the owners to repair it. Creakie Hall is home to Miasma and Marmaduke Bogey-Mandeville, who have been playing the same game of poker since 1665! They decide to turn Creakie Hall into a hotel to make some money. The story ends with two fussy hotel inspectors being magically persuaded to write a good review of the place.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the ghosts in the story represent, and why do they behave the way they do?
How did the characters' reactions to the ghosts change throughout the book? What does that tell us about dealing with fears?
If you were a character in the book, how would you interact with the ghosts?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and bravery from the story?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like the characters, and how you overcame that fear?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a cozy reading environment that can stimulate your child’s imagination as you both delve into the story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story’s events, relating them to their own experiences wherever possible.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story come alive, helping your child connect with each character’s emotions and actions.
After reading, relate the themes of bravery and facing fears to real-life situations to help your child find personal connections to the story.
Ask follow-up questions that build on your child’s responses, promoting deeper thinking and enhancing their comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Ace Ghosts,' the ghosts and kids learn to connect and understand each other despite their differences and initial fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy by interacting with others who may appear different from them, promoting inclusiveness and acceptance in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate to solve the mystery of the haunted house, showcasing teamwork and collective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of working together to overcome challenges, whether in academics, sports, or peer activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of History and Learning from the Past
Explanation: The story incorporates historical elements through the setting and backstory of the haunted house, providing a base to teach history.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and respect historical contexts and artifacts in their community or family, fostering a deeper understanding of the past.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fears
Explanation: As the children unravel the mystery behind the ghost appearances, they learn to overcome their fears and act bravely.
Real-World Application: This lesson is pivotal as it teaches children to face their own fears and uncertainties, be it trying new activities or standing up in class, promoting personal growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The storytelling in ‘Ace Ghosts’ sparks imagination through its ghostly characters and mysterious plot.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their creativity to think of solutions or stories, enhancing their cognitive skills and imaginative capacities during play or learning tasks.