Scared Witless: Thirteen Eerie Tales to Tell
illustrations by
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
Scared Witless is a collection of thirteen stories that are both funny and scary, making it perfect entertainment for sleepovers, summer camp, and parties. Authored by Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, who have extensive experience in teaching storytelling, the book also provides tips and guidelines for effective storytelling. Complemented by Kevin Pope's wacky illustrations, these tales of haunted houses, ghosts, and shaggy dogs not only entertain but also impart lessons on courage and resourcefulness. The book was a finalist for the Book of the Year in the Juvenile Fiction category.
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which story did you find the most intriguing and why?
How would you react if you found yourself in a similar eerie situation?
What do you think the characters learned by the end of their tale?
How did the stories make you feel and which emotions stood out the most?
If you could create your own eerie tale, what elements would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on a story to model deep thinking. Encourage your child to express both what they enjoyed and what puzzled them about the tales. Validate their feelings and provide comfort if they felt scared, explaining that it's all fictional. Ask them to draw or describe a favorite scene which can help them process the stories creatively. Finally, connect the themes of the book to real-life virtues like bravery and wisdom.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Each story in 'Scared Witless: Thirteen Eerie Tales to Tell' presents characters who confront their fears in unsettling situations, teaching bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, such as trying out for a sports team, participating in a school play, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: The book highlights how tales can be used to convey morals, caution, or entertain, showcasing the importance of narrative skills.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of sharing their own stories and experiences with peers and family, enhancing their communication skills and emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the stories often use their wit and creativity to overcome supernatural challenges or puzzles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply imaginative solutions to their own real-life problems, such as resolving conflicts with friends or coming up with a school project idea.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through characters experiencing fear and resolution, readers learn to empathize with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop stronger relationships and a deeper sense of compassion for others, especially when someone else is struggling or afraid.