The Haunted Piccolo
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
There's something about the ancient piccolo in the strange, old music shop that calls to Luke. He can't help picking it up. But then Luke finds his dark dreams of revenge against his enemies starting to come true. He begins to suspect that it was the piccolo that picked him out, and for its own sinister purposes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the piccolo was haunted, and how did it affect the characters in the story?
What would you do if you found a haunted musical instrument?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book?
What did the characters learn by the end of the story?
If you could help one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking what they would do if placed in the characters’ situations.
Discuss the characters' emotions and decisions to help your child develop empathy and decision-making skills.
Link the story’s lessons or moral to real-life situations your child might encounter to enhance understanding and relatability.
Use expressive reading and character voices to make the story more vivid and engaging as you read together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'The Haunted Piccolo,' the protagonist confronts eerie sounds emanating from their instrument, teaching children about bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out new activities or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: The main character's quest to uncover the source of the mysterious sounds encourages an inquisitive mindset.
Real-World Application: Fosters a sense of exploration and questioning in children, which is vital for learning and discovery in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters show concern and support for each other's fears, highlighting the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being considerate and supportive towards their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Resilience in problem-solving
Explanation: The characters work together to solve the mystery of the piccolo, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persist in solving their own problems, enhancing their critical thinking and patience.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for music and arts
Explanation: The story revolves around a musical instrument, which underscores the role of arts in expression and creativity.
Real-World Application: Inspires interest in music and the arts, promoting creative self-expression among children.