Fright in the Night (The Ghastly McNastys)
#2 in The Ghastly McNastys Series
What’s inside...
The third book in the hilarious GHASTLY MCNASTYS series follows Gruesome and Grisly McNasty as they plan to uncover Captain Syd's legendary treasure in the village of Little Snoring. To deter the villagers, they create an illusion of haunting, but local kids Tat and Hetty see through their plan. In a twist, Tat and Hetty pretend to be the ghost of Captain Syd seeking revenge to thwart the McNastys' efforts. In parallel, the McNasty twins unexpectedly find themselves back in Little Snoring, commandeering a ship called The Good Hope in their relentless pursuit of the treasure. Tat and Hetty then set a trap for the pirate duo, which leads to a series of comedic and suspenseful events, including Tat and Hetty's temporary captivity. The book combines witty illustrations, slapstick comedy, and toilet humor to deliver an outrageous and lively conclusion to the series, perfect for beginning readers who enjoy quirky and funny stories.
Discussion points
What would you do if you encountered the Ghastly McNastys? How would you react?
How did the characters in the book show bravery? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
What lessons do you think the Ghastly McNastys learned by the end of the story?
If you could create your own character to add to the story, what would they be like and why?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters solve their problems in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child lead the conversation. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and responses to the book.
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to the characters’ adventures and actions in the story.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story. Ask your child what they learned and how it could apply to their own life.
Use creative prompts, like imagining a new character, to deepen their engagement and enhance their creative thinking.
Highlight the importance of teamwork as portrayed in the book and relate it to everyday situations they encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Fright in the Night,' the characters often face spooky and uncertain situations. Their bravery in confronting these fears is a recurring theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out new activities, or dealing with nighttime fears, by mimicking the bravery of the characters.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists in the story often team up to solve mysteries and face challenges, demonstrating that teamwork can make daunting tasks more manageable and far more enjoyable.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life during group projects at school or while playing sports, teaching them the value of cooperation and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The diverse characters in the book, each with unique traits, work together harmoniously. This highlights the importance of accepting and valuing everyone's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diverse traits of their peers and understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute, fostering a more inclusive environment.