Spooky Spooky Spooky! by Cathy MacLennan (2009-10-06)
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
In 'Spooky Spooky Spooky!' by Cathy MacLennan, young readers are taken on a whimsical journey through spooky scenes filled with Halloween-themed creatures like ghosts, witches, bats, and more. The book features rhythmic, rhyming text that is playful and engaging, complemented by MacLennan's bold and colorful illustrations. Aimed at delighting rather than scaring, this story is suitable for young children and provides a gentle introduction to Halloween with its fun and never scary storyline. As night falls and the moon rises, a cast of creepy critters like velvety bats, howling cats, slithering slugs, and slippery snails come out, making it a perfect Halloween read-aloud tale to share repeatedly. The book combines bright illustrations with lyrical rhyme, ensuring a wonderful spine-tingling journey that ends on a sweet note.
Discussion points
How did the spooky characters in the book make you feel?
What do you think is the most interesting part of the spooky night described in the book?
Can you think of a time you were scared like the characters and what helped you feel better?
Which spooky character was your favorite and why?
How do you think the spooky night ended after the book finished?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show interest in their feelings about the book's characters and events to encourage emotional understanding.
Discuss personal experiences with fear in a light and relatable way to help your child connect with the book's theme.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next or how the story could have ended differently to develop their imagination and prediction skills.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts or characters, fostering expressive language and recall abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Spooky Spooky Spooky!', characters encounter various spooky scenarios that they learn to face bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or facing the dark, taking cues from the characters' bravery.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story shows characters supporting each other in spooky situations, emphasizing the value of friends during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to help and support their friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community in their real lives.
Example Lesson: Using imagination
Explanation: The vivid descriptions and scenarios in 'Spooky Spooky Spooky!' help stimulate the imagination of young readers.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative play, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Expression of emotions
Explanation: The book portrays various characters expressing fear and joy, teaching children about emotional expression.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to openly express their own emotions, which is crucial for emotional development and communication with others.