The Haunted Mansion
Little Golden Books Series
What’s inside...
In this Disneyland attraction-inspired story, young readers are taken on a whimsical tour through the legendary haunted mansion, guided by the ghost host. Along the way, they encounter a multitude of spirits, ghouls, and supernatural occurrences, each more fantastical than the last. Despite the spooky surroundings, young readers will find fun and laughter lurking around each corner. Experience Disney Parks' famous Haunted Mansion like never before with this Little Golden Book-perfect for Halloween! It's easy to get into the Haunted Mansion... but can you find your way out? Join the Ghost Host and search your way through all the creep-tastic rooms of Disney Parks' Haunted Mansion-from the ominous Seance Room, to the ghoulish party in Grand Hall, to the attic that holds many scary secrets. Perfect for Disney and Little Golden Book fans of all ages, this spooky story is great for Halloween or anytime. The book will be available in time for Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021, allowing you to celebrate no matter where you are!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you visited a haunted mansion like in the story?
What do you think the ghosts in the mansion want from the visitors?
Why do you think the main characters reacted the way they did when they encountered the ghosts?
Can you think of a different ending for the story? What would happen?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' experiences in the haunted mansion?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, enhancing their empathy and emotional intelligence. Discuss the characters' motivations and reactions to develop critical thinking. Use the spooky elements of the story to have fun, perhaps reading with a flashlight or creating a cozy, themed reading nook. Lastly, relate the story's themes to real-life situations to help your child apply the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'The Haunted Mansion,' the protagonist confronts spooky occurrences that initially frighten them. Over time, they learn to manage their fear and take brave actions to uncover the mystery behind the hauntings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it’s trying a new activity or standing up in a situation where they feel uncomfortable. This helps them develop resilience and confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: As the characters in the book navigate through the mysteries of the mansion, they use clues and logic to solve puzzles. This encourages readers to think analytically about the situations presented.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these skills in academic settings, such as working through complex math problems, or in social scenarios, where understanding different perspectives is crucial.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns that working with others is more effective than facing challenges alone. The characters collaborate to solve the mystery, which highlights the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of cooperative play and group assignments in school, teaching children that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various characters who are not what they initially seem. By understanding their stories and viewpoints, the protagonist gains a deeper understanding of the situation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to understanding others around them, fostering empathy and social skills that are critical in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: The characters face numerous setbacks in their quest to uncover the truth about the mansion, but they persist through the difficulties, showcasing the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it’s completing a difficult homework assignment or improving in a sport, is crucial for achieving goals.