Ollie's Halloween (Gossie & Friends)
#6 of 19 in Gossie and Friends Series
on Goodreads (653)
What’s inside...
Goslings are on the prowl in this holiday board book from the popular Gossie&Friends series. While Gossie, Gertie, Peedie, and BooBoo are tricking and treating, Ollie is thinking about how sharing is better than scaring. With shiny foil on the cover, a gentle Halloween story, and Olivier Dunrea's signature adorable artwork, this book is the perfect one to share with the littlest trick-or-treaters this October!
Character compass
Ollie
Peedie
Booboo
Gossie
Gertie
Discussion points
What do you think Ollie and his friends enjoyed the most about Halloween?
How do you feel when you wear a costume, like Ollie and his friends did?
What are some ways Ollie and his friends showed they were good friends to each other during their Halloween adventure?
If you could choose a Halloween adventure, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes by relating them to their own experiences. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connections to the characters' adventures. Reinforce the positive behaviors displayed by the characters, such as sharing and friendship, to help instill these values in your child. Lastly, make the discussion enjoyable and interactive by using expressive voices for different characters or creating a small craft that relates to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: Ollie learns to share his Halloween treats with his friends, highlighting the joy of giving.
Real-World Application: Children can emulate this behavior by sharing their snacks or toys with friends, fostering a sense of community and generosity.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ollie overcomes his initial fear of the spooky Halloween decorations, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing their fears, like trying new activities or meeting new people, can lead to personal growth and fun experiences.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: Ollie and his friends dress up in creative costumes, showing how they express their individuality.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to creatively express themselves, whether through choosing their own clothing, engaging in art projects, or imaginative play.
Example Lesson: The joy of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the fun Ollie and his friends have together during Halloween, underscoring the value of friendships.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Following traditions
Explanation: Ollie participates in traditional Halloween activities like trick-or-treating, teaching about cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and take part in cultural or family traditions, enhancing their understanding of their own and others' heritage.