The Bookstore Ghost (Penguin Young Readers, Level 2)
Penelope Crumb Series
What’s inside...
Mr. Brown sells ghost books in his bookstore. But mice are scaring away the customers! Mr. Brown tells his cat to catch the mice, but she has other plans. After all, a ghost bookstore should be scary. Of course, it will be even more scary when it has its own ghost.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mr. Brown felt when he first heard the ghost? What would you do if you were in his place?
Why do you think the ghost was causing trouble in the bookstore? What do you think he really wanted?
How did Miss Button solve the mystery of the ghost? What would you have done differently if you were her?
What did you learn about friendship and understanding others from this story?
How do you think the bookstore changed after the ghost's mystery was solved? Would you like to visit a bookstore like that?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about situations where you were scared or misunderstood someone, linking it to the story.
Encourage your child to elaborate on their responses by prompting them with questions like, 'Why do you think that?' or 'Can you tell me more about that idea?'
Affirm your child’s feelings and thoughts as they discuss the story to build their confidence and encourage deeper thinking.
Link the discussion to your child’s personal experiences, asking them if they've ever felt like Mr. Brown or the ghost, making the conversation more relatable.
Discuss the importance of seeking to understand others before making judgments, using characters in the story as examples.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: In 'The Bookstore Ghost', the characters demonstrate resourcefulness in solving the mystery surrounding the ghost. They gather clues and think critically to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in real-life situations, from figuring out puzzles to managing simple daily tasks and conflicts.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: The protagonist faces the unknown bravely, showing that sometimes one must confront fears to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of facing their fears in various scenarios, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to uncover the mystery, emphasizing the power of collaboration and cooperative effort.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, helpful in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and a love for reading
Explanation: The setting in a bookstore nurtures a natural curiosity about books, encouraging an interest in reading.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore different books, expanding their knowledge and improving their reading skills.