The Brockenspectre
What’s inside...
Tommi is determined to find out the truth about his mountaineer father's mysterious disappearance. He knows all the stories of the forbidding mountain he has grown up beside, but nothing has prepared him for meeting the Brockenspectre. Tomas wants to be like his father – strong, brave and fearless. His father Pappi, a mountain guide, taught him to love the mountains but also fear their dangers, including the Brockenspectre, a shadowy creature haunting the mountain. When Pappi fails to return from a trip, Tomas must search the dangerous mountain passes, risking meeting the dreaded Brockenspectre to find his father.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tomas felt when he saw the Brockenspectre? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
The mountains play a big role in this story. What do you think they represent, and how do they affect the characters?
Tomas learns a lot about bravery. What does being brave mean to you?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? Do they make you feel more connected to the adventure?
What did you learn about nature and its mysteries from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Tomas’s experiences to their own feelings about fear and adventure to foster empathy and personal connection.
Discuss the symbolic meanings of the mountains and weather in the story to enhance comprehension and interpretative skills.
Prompt your child to think about what bravery looks like in everyday life, paralleling Tomas’s adventures with real-world scenarios they might face.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss and predict story developments, strengthening observation and predictive skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: The main character, Tomas, embarks on a journey to find the mysterious Brockenspectre, showcasing bravery despite uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face new challenges and unfamiliar situations with confidence, understanding that stepping out of their comfort zone is part of growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: Through his adventures, Tomas encounters different characters and learns to understand their perspectives and fears.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to listen to others, understand different emotions, and develop empathy towards friends and family.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Tomas's quest is driven by his curiosity about the Brockenspectre, which leads him to learn more about his environment and himself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, fostering a lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Tomas faces various challenges and setbacks during his search, but he persists and adapts to the circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through difficulties, understanding that obstacles are part of the journey and can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Value of nature and environment
Explanation: The setting of the story in the natural world highlights the beauty and importance of preserving our surroundings.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to appreciate and care for the environment, promoting activities that involve interacting with and protecting nature.