Halloween Hustle
What’s inside...
In the dark, a funky beat. Something white with bony feet. Skeleton dancing up the street, Doing the Halloween Hustle. Skeleton is dancing his way to a Halloween party--but as he grooves across town, he keeps stumbling, tumbling, and falling apart! Can Skeleton stay in one piece long enough to make it to the party?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Skeleton felt when he kept falling apart during the dance? What would you do if you were in his place?
Why do you think the characters in the book wanted to keep the Halloween Hustle dance going, even when things went wrong?
What are some ways the characters helped each other in the story? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
How do you think the story would change if it was not set on Halloween? What makes Halloween a special time for a dance party?
If you could create your own dance move like Skeleton, what would it look like and what would you call it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' emotions and actions, drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork, as displayed by Skeleton and his friends, to enhance social and emotional understanding.
Utilize the Halloween setting to engage your child’s imagination, asking them to visualize or even create drawings of the scenes.
Highlight the humor and fun in the story to keep the discussion light-hearted and enjoyable, fostering a love for reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'Halloween Hustle,' the main character repeatedly stumbles but gets back up every time, showcasing the importance of trying again despite failures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to not give up easily in their endeavors, whether it be in learning a new skill, sports, or solving problems in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The protagonist uses imaginative solutions to navigate obstacles, emphasizing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome challenges in their academic and social lives.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story highlights how the main character interacts with various creatures during the hustle, promoting diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help reinforce the value of inclusivity and respect for others' differences in school, playgrounds, and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Building relationships is a core theme as the character joins others in the hustle, demonstrating how friendships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships and how to be supportive friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book showcases the character’s ability to tackle unexpected problems during his journey, emphasizing the importance of adaptive thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children adapt to new challenges, finding effective solutions and making informed decisions in their daily activities.