The Little Ghost
on Goodreads (7,014)
What’s inside...
In a locked chest in a dusty attic of Castle Eulenstein lives little Ghost. At the stroke of midnight each night little Ghost wakes up. He haunts the castle happily and sometimes visits his friend the owl, Mr Twoohoo, and then at the stroke of one, he falls asleep in his chest. It has been like this for as long as little Ghost can remember. His greatest wish is to see the world in daylight, just once. But how can he make his wish come true? And what will the townsfolk make of a ghost in the daytime?
Fantastic and quirky black and white line drawings throughout.
More than 50 million copies of Preussler's children's books have been sold worldwide.
Age
7-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Little Ghost
Karl
The Policeman
Discussion points
Why do you think the Little Ghost wakes up at the same time every day?
What are some of the ways the Little Ghost tries to make friends?
How does the Little Ghost feel when things don't go as planned?
What would you do if you met the Little Ghost one night?
How do the townspeople react to the Little Ghost and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the world from the Little Ghost's perspective—ask them how they would feel and what they would do in his situation.
Discuss the importance of kindness and understanding towards others who may seem different, as shown through the townspeople's reactions.
Explore the concept of mistakes and learning from them, just as the Little Ghost does throughout the story.
Use the story as a base to ask your child about their own feelings towards nighttime and darkness, making personal connections to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: In 'The Little Ghost', the ghost's nightly experiences and interactions are starkly different from the day-dwellers, highlighting how creatures can have different yet valuable perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect differences in cultures, habits, and preferences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The ghost forms a bond with the children it meets, showing that true friendship can transcend different backgrounds and even species.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to forming friendships in various settings, and to cherish and trust in their relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: When the ghost decides to explore the world during the day, it faces challenges and unforeseen consequences, teaching about the importance of thinking decisions through.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to consider potential outcomes before acting, which can help them make more thoughtful and responsible choices.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The little ghost is driven by curiosity to see the daytime world, which leads to many discoveries and adventures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and learn actively, enhancing their knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing fears
Explanation: Despite its fear, the ghost undertakes the journey in daylight, demonstrating courage to overcome fears for growth and learning.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the value of confronting their fears, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what's right, fostering resilience.