Mirabelle and the Haunted House
#9 of 10 in Mirabelle Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
In 'Mirabelle and the Haunted House,' young Mirabelle embarks on an unexpected adventure in her new home filled with mystical surprises. Her discovery of the house's secretive past through ghostly encounters teaches her valuable lessons about bravery and friendship. Along the way, Mirabelle faces challenges, including her pet dragon Violet going missing and her brother Wilbur mysteriously disappearing. With the help of some unexpected allies in a seemingly abandoned cottage, Mirabelle works to resolve the situation and bring her brother back, deepening her understanding of family and courage.
Discussion points
How do you think Mirabelle felt when she first saw the haunted house? Can you explain why?
What would you have done if you were in Mirabelle's place when she encountered the spooky surprises?
Why do you think the ghosts were in the house, and what do you think they wanted?
How did Mirabelle's actions help the ghosts? Do you think this changed how she felt about the house?
If you could give any advice to Mirabelle at the start of her adventure, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight emotions: When discussing the book, focus on identifying and understanding the characters’ emotions, especially Mirabelle’s reactions to different events.
Encourage imagination: Ask your child how they would feel or react in similar spooky situations, boosting empathy and creative thinking.
Explore the concept of bravery: Discuss what bravery looks like and ask your child to give examples of brave actions from their own experience.
Discuss the resolution: Talk about how the story resolves and what your child thinks about the outcome. This can lead to a deeper understanding of narrative structure and character development.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques: When reading, modulate your voice to match the mood of the scenes. This can make the story more engaging and set a lively conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Mirabelle bravely explores the haunted house despite her initial fear, showcasing her ability to confront and manage fear.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities or dealing with challenging situations at school.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The character's exploration of the haunted house drives the plot, emphasizing the value of curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and learn about the world around them, asking questions and seeking answers just like Mirabelle.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Mirabelle encounters various challenges in the haunted house and finds creative solutions to overcome them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of thinking critically and coming up with solutions when facing difficulties in daily life.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Mirabelle works together with friends, highlighting the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and working with others to achieve common goals in school projects or team sports.