Tales from the Dead of Night: Thirteen Classic Ghost Stories
on Goodreads (331)
What’s inside...
From a beautiful antique that gives its owner a show he'd rather forget, to a 'ghost detective' whose exorcism goes horribly wrong and a sinister masked ball which seems to have one too many guests, these ghost stories of supernatural terror are guaranteed to make you shiver, thrill and look under the bed tonight. From rural England to colonial India, in murky haunted mansions and under modern electric lighting, these master storytellers - some of the best writers in the English language - unfold spinetinglers which pull back the veil of everyday life to reveal the nightmares which lurk just out of sight. They are lessons in ingenuity and surprise, sometimes building slowly to a chilling climax, sometimes springing horror on you from the utterly banal. And as you'd expect from these writers, the stories are more than simply frightening - they're also disquieting exposures of mortality, loneliness and the human capacity for both evil and remorse. We wish you pleasant dreams. Contains ghost stories by: Ruth Rendell, M. R. James, Rudyard Kipling, Edith Wharton, E. F. Benson, E. Nesbit, Saki, W. W. Jacobs, W. F. Harvey, Hugh Walpole, Chico Kidd and LP Hartley.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which story did you find the most intriguing and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they encountered the supernatural?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the protagonists?
Do you think there were any lessons that the characters learned from their experiences?
How do the settings contribute to the mood of the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the stories, emphasizing that it’s okay to feel scared or curious.
Discuss the historical and cultural contexts of the ghost stories to enhance understanding and appreciation.
Compare and contrast the different ghost stories to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Use creative activities like drawing or writing a simple ghost story together to further engage with the book’s themes.
Reassure your child by exploring the distinction between fictional elements in the stories and real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The ghost stories often involve characters who confront or communicate with spirits. This can help children understand different viewpoints and the reasons behind certain actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand people around them, considering different perspectives before making judgments.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Characters in the stories frequently face eerie and unknown circumstances that require bravery to confront.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right, promoting personal courage and resilience.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Many stories in this collection feature situations where actions have direct consequences, emphasizing the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the impact of their behavior and choices, reinforcing the value of thoughtful decision making in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and heritage
Explanation: Ghost stories are often rooted in historical settings and delve into cultural folklore, enriching children’s understanding of the past.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for history and cultural heritage, promoting curiosity and respect for different traditions and narratives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonists often need to solve mysteries or uncover truths, which hones their problem-solving capabilities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and solve problems in innovative ways, traits that are beneficial in educational settings and beyond.