Spooky Hour
What’s inside...
From the creators of DINOSAURUMPUS!, comes a new Halloween picture book about counting titled 'The Midnight Spooks.' The story unfolds as the bell in the rickety tower tolls twelve times, signaling the arrival of the midnight spooks. The book takes children from Kindergarten through 2nd grade on a rhyming adventure through the night to a spook-filled birthday party, accompanied by fun sounds like 'CLICKETY CLACK' and 'HISSSSS!' and delightful illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the ghost was counting down the hours in Spooky Hour?
What would you do if you were invited to a spooky party like the one in the book?
How do you think the animals felt when they were getting ready for the party?
Can you think of a time you were scared like some characters in the story, but it turned out to be fun?
What was your favorite part of the Spooky Hour story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think a 'Spooky Hour' might involve to pique their curiosity about the story.
Encourage your child to talk about the illustrations and ask them to predict what might happen next as you turn the pages.
After reading, engage your child by asking them to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Discuss the different character reactions to the spooky party and relate them to real-life experiences of feeling nervous about new experiences.
Use different voices for the characters to make reading more interactive and fun, helping your child differentiate the characters and adding to their enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Time
Explanation: In 'Spooky Hour,' the story is set against the ticking of the clock, introducing young readers to the concept of telling time.
Real-World Application: Children can begin to understand the importance of time management and daily routines, enhancing their ability to organize their activities and responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Counting Skills
Explanation: The narrative incorporates counting as the spooky characters perform various activities, effectively engaging children in basic arithmetic.
Real-World Application: This can help children improve their numerical skills in real-life situations, such as counting objects, steps, or understanding quantities in recipes or games.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: As the characters interact in a non-threatening, whimsical way, the book helps reduce fear associated with spooky elements.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address and manage their fears of the dark or unknown, fostering bravery and confidence in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The characters in the book work together towards a common goal, highlighting the concept of community and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in collaborative activities, understand different roles within a team, and appreciate the strength of working together.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The playful and creative settings of the spooky hour stimulate a child’s imagination and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in imaginative play and creative expression, which are critical components of problem-solving and emotional expression in their daily lives.