Return to Howliday Inn (Bunnicula and Friends Book 5)
#5 of 7 in Bunnicula Series
What’s inside...
The Monroe family pets are boarded at Chateau Bow-Wow, known to them as Howliday Inn, where they encounter spooky occurrences and uncover dark secrets. Mysterious disappearances, unexplained voices, and buried bones with a collar named 'Rosebud' suggest murder at the kennel. Among new boarders like a sad Great Dane and sinister cat-burglar sisters, the pets must confront paranormal happenings and decipher the chilling mysteries of Howliday Inn.
Discussion points
Why do you think Chester is always so suspicious of Bunnicula? How do you feel when you’re unsure about someone new?
What are the different ways the characters in the book show bravery? Can you think of a time you had to be brave?
How do the characters in 'Howliday Inn' work together to solve a mystery? Why is teamwork important?
What lessons do you think Harold learns throughout the story? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deep engagement with the themes of 'Return to Howliday Inn', ask your child to relate personal experiences to the characters' adventures. Encourage them to express their emotions and thoughts about the book’s events. Highlight the importance of teamwork and bravery depicted in the story, and ask how these themes can be applied in their daily life. Lastly, ensure to listen actively, affirm their feelings, and provide insights where necessary to guide the conversation towards meaningful reflections on the book’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Return to Howliday Inn,' the characters must collaborate to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's strengths.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding differences
Explanation: The diverse group of animal characters in the story, each with unique traits and backgrounds, teaches kids to be empathetic and embrace individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inclusive and respectful towards peers who might seem different from them, promoting a harmonious classroom environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The characters often face scary situations, but they show bravery and confront their fears, demonstrating the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up in class, or sleeping alone in the dark, knowing that bravery can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and inquiry
Explanation: The book's plot progresses through the characters' curiosity and investigative actions, underscoring the importance of asking questions and seeking answers.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive learners in their educational journey, enhancing their understanding and engagement with the world around them.