Scarecrow's Keep
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Little Meg, an orphan, feels isolated and finds solace in her friendship with a scarecrow on a nearby hill. The other orphans are disturbed by the scarecrow and concoct a plan to end Meg's peculiar bond. This illustrated storybook provides a perfect blend of eerie and spooky elements suitable for children, making it an ideal read for Halloween gatherings or campfire tales.
Discussion points
Why do you think the scarecrow is important in the story?
How do the other characters in the book feel about the scarecrow?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the protagonist?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the characters in the book?
What is the main lesson the scarecrow teaches everyone by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to the protagonist by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the moral lessons of the book, and how these can be applied in real life.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why they liked it.
Use expressive reading techniques, varying your tone and pace to match the mood of the story, to keep your child engaged.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'Scarecrow's Keep,' the protagonist, despite feeling initially frightened, bravely confronts challenges to protect his friends. His courage grows as the story progresses.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what they believe in, taking inspiration from the protagonist's bravery.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Scarecrow's Keep,' the characters support and look out for each other, showcasing the strength found in camaraderie and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand the importance of helping and caring for their friends, fostering a sense of empathy and community in their own relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: As the characters in 'Scarecrow's Keep' encounter various obstacles, they continue to push forward, demonstrating that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn that not giving up, even when facing challenges, can lead to success. This applies to school tasks, personal projects, or any difficult situation they might face.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The characters in the book often use clever and creative ways to navigate challenges, highlighting that sometimes unconventional thinking is necessary to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to tackle daily challenges, enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Characters in the story come from diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives, but learn to work together and respect each other’s differences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and embrace diversity among peers and learn how to collaborate effectively with others who might see the world differently.