The Thing in the Basement: A Bloomsbury Reader: Brown Book Band
Bloomsbury Readers Series
What’s inside...
When young Tim and his family move to an old, imposing house, Tim discovers something mysterious in the basement that changes his life and solves a long-hidden family secret. Similarly, in a different story, Scott encounters a mysterious creature in the basement of his new school that only Mr. Crawley can control, which leads to a thrilling adventure. Both stories are filled with mystery and excitement, perfect for young readers developing their reading skills.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the 'thing' in the basement represents and why?
How did the characters' feelings about the basement change throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like the characters, and how did you overcome that fear?
What would you do if you found a 'thing' in your basement?
How do you think the story would change if the 'thing' was something else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the story to life, altering your voice for different characters and the mysterious 'thing'. After reading, connect the story's themes to your child’s personal experiences by discussing similar fears or mysterious situations they might have encountered. Encourage your child to imagine alternate scenarios or endings to the story to boost their creativity and critical thinking. Emphasize the importance of curiosity and bravery as demonstrated by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts the mysterious 'thing' in the basement, teaching children the value of bravery when facing the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling new challenges or uncertainties, such as trying a new activity or making a new friend, despite initial fears.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The exploration of the basement ignites a sense of adventure, showing kids the importance of curiosity and discovery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and learn more about their surroundings or to ask questions about new topics in and out of the classroom.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must think critically and creatively to understand the true nature of what they fear in the basement.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to employ logical reasoning and creativity to solve problems they encounter, such as resolving a conflict with a peer or figuring out a difficult homework problem.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story reveals that misunderstandings can lead to fear, teaching the importance of empathy and getting to know others.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to not judge others quickly and to always seek to understand different perspectives, especially in diverse social settings.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The characters often work together to overcome their fears and uncover the truth about the basement, underscoring the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to work collaboratively in group settings, appreciating the strengths and contributions of each team member.