The Midnight Carnival
What’s inside...
On Halloween, a strange and unique carnival arrives in town with faery magic, masked demons, and sharp-toothed carnies. Some visitors return with haunting tales, while others disappear without a trace, fueling eerie stories. This collection of thirteen short stories explores the enchanting and sinister Midnight Carnival. In a separate tale, a young boy encounters private eye Cecil Bunions on the enigmatic Midnight Super Train, leading to an adventurous and dream-like race through the train cars before it vanishes.
Discussion points
What did you think about the different characters and their adventures at the carnival? Who was your favorite, and why?
How did the story make you feel when the characters had to solve the mystery?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What would you do if you were at the Midnight Carnival? Which games or shows would you want to see first?
How do you think the story would change if it was set during the day instead of at midnight?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, acknowledging their responses without judgment to foster an open dialogue.
Use follow-up questions to deepen the discussion, such as asking for examples from the book or their own life that relate to the themes discussed.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing similar events in their life, which helps personalize the story's themes.
Focus on the importance of imagination and creativity, which are central themes in 'The Midnight Carnival,' by asking what magical events they might add to their own version of the story.
Praise your child for their insights and ideas, reinforcing their confidence and interest in reading and discussing more books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Midnight Carnival,' the characters must work together to navigate the magical carnival and solve the puzzles they encounter.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve a common goal, an essential skill in school projects and family responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts and overcomes various fears while exploring the carnival, showing bravery and growth.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to feel scared while trying new things, whether it's riding a bike without training wheels or sleeping in the dark.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters in the book meet different creatures and face various challenges, they learn to understand and empathize with different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children discover the importance of seeing the world from others' viewpoints, helping in conflict resolution and fostering friendships in real life.
Example Lesson: The joy of discovery
Explanation: The book's carnival setting, filled with wonders and mysteries, enlightens the joy and excitement of discovering new experiences.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of curiosity and exploration, motivating kids to learn and explore the world around them, from science experiments to exploring nature.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Characters make crucial decisions that affect their journey's outcome, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that their decisions have consequences and highlights the importance of thinking things through and making responsible choices.