The Thing at the Foot of the Bed and Other Scary Tales
What’s inside...
A collection of spooky stories by noted folklorist Maria Leach, featuring characters like a mysterious hitchhiker, a lovelorn pig, and a backseat gangster. The tales, which originated in the British Isles, New England, and the American South, range from humorous to eerie, and are complemented by moody black-and-white drawings. Highlights include the tale of the golden arm, a campfire favorite, and various stories of haunted houses and ghostly visitations. The book also includes an amusing selection of 'Do's and Don't's About Ghosts' and helpful notes explaining the stories' sources and backgrounds.
Age
7-11
Length
129 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite scary tale from the book and why did it stand out to you?
How did the characters in the stories handle their fear, and what can we learn from them?
If you could change one scary story's ending, which would it be and how would you change it?
Which story would you share with a friend to scare them? Why?
How do you think the author comes up with these scary ideas?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the stories, maintain a light and playful tone to keep the conversation fun and not too frightening.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each tale, acknowledging their fears and offering comfort.
Use the stories as a springboard to discuss real-life fears and strategies to cope with them.
After reading a story, ask your child to draw or write their own version of a scary tale, which can help them process any fears and boost their creativity.
Share your own reactions to the tales, as this can encourage your child to open up and deepen the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'The Thing at the Foot of the Bed and Other Scary Tales,' characters often confront and overcome their fears, teaching children that bravery is not the absence of fear, but facing it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by managing their fears in various situations, like trying new activities or standing up against bullying, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The stories encourage exploring the unknown and asking questions, illustrating that curiosity leads to learning and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s educational journey, encouraging them to remain curious and engaged, thereby enhancing their learning experience.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: By evaluating the situations that characters encounter with ghosts or mysterious events, children learn to analyze and question rather than accepting things at face value.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes critical thinking in children, helping them to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters often face misunderstandings due to fear and assumptions. The stories teach children to understand different perspectives before making judgments.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering more harmonious relationships with peers and adults.