Bugs That Go Bump in the Night

Last updated September 28, 2004

Author: David Carter
Illustrator: David Carter
Date of Publication: 1996
ISBN: 0689801203
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Date(s) Used: October 2004

Synopsis: Open this book...if you dare! All kinds of creepy bugs will pop up everywhere! Surprise on last page!

Discussion topics for before reading:

• What is a haunted house? What is a skeleton? Go through the book beforehand to identify items that the kids should be familiar with in order to fully understand the story.
• What kinds of things do you do on Halloween?

Discussion topics for after reading:

• What kinds of spooky things are related to Halloween? What else is spooky?
• How do people feel when faced with something spooky, and how do they deal with it?

Craft ideas:

• Make a scary bug mask and a matching trick-or-treat bag.
• Draw a spooky jack-o-lantern.

Special challenge:

• Merge other things with bugs and have the kids draw or act out the "hybrid" creatures. For example, ask them, "What's your favorite animal?" If one answers, "A tiger!" then ask how a "tiger bug" looks, sounds, or acts. Continue to ask around until each child has answered, and then ask a new question.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!