Princess Poppy: The Haunted Holiday
Princess Poppy Series
on Goodreads (58)
What’s inside...
In 'Princess Poppy: The Haunted Holiday,' a children's book by Janey Louise Jones, the titular character Princess Poppy excitedly embarks on a holiday with her family and friends. However, her excitement turns to intrigue and trepidation when they arrive at their holiday destination, which is rumored to be haunted. As Poppy and her friends explore, they encounter a series of unexplained events that suggest the presence of a ghost. Using her courage and intelligence, Poppy decides to investigate the mystery. Ultimately, she discovers that the ghostly occurrences have logical explanations, and she helps to uncover the truth behind the rumors. Her bravery turns the holiday from a spooky experience into a memorable adventure, deepening the bond between her and her companions and proving that some fears are unfounded. The story teaches important lessons about courage, friendship, and the value of rational thinking.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Poppy felt when she discovered the haunted holiday house? What would you do in her situation?
What are some ways that Poppy shows bravery throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you were brave like her?
Why is teamwork important in the story? Have you ever solved a problem with your friends or family?
What would you do if you found a mysterious object like Poppy does? How do you think that object changed the adventure?
If you could give advice to Poppy at the beginning of her holiday, what would you tell her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their responses and relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the theme of courage in the story. Ask your child about times they have felt courageous and how it helped them.
Use the mysterious elements in the story as a fun starting point to imagine other scenarios or endings with your child. Creativity fuels connection!
Talk about the importance of friendships like those shown in the book. Explore how your child builds and maintains friendships in their own life.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story, encouraging your child to think about how they can use similar strategies in their own challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Princess Poppy: The Haunted Holiday,' Poppy confronts her fear of ghosts when she suspects her holiday home is haunted. Through her bravery, she learns more about the history of the house and resolves the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying something new or dealing with scary situations, understanding that courage can lead to new discoveries and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: Poppy's inquisitive nature leads her to explore the strange happenings and ask questions to uncover the truth about the 'haunted' home.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious, ask questions, and seek out answers, which are essential skills for learning and understanding the world around them.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, Poppy relies on her friends to help solve the mystery, showing how teamwork can make challenging tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the importance of working together and supporting friends, which can be applied in group projects, sports, and other cooperative activities in a child’s life.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Poppy uses her critical thinking skills to piece together clues and solve the mystery of the haunted holiday home.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking critically and developing problem-solving strategies, which are vital skills in academics and everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Handling unexpected situations with grace
Explanation: When faced with unexpected and scary situations, Poppy maintains her composure and deals with them gracefully.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that unexpected events are a part of life and that maintaining composure can help manage any situation more effectively.