Goldfish Ghost by Lemony Snicket

This book is as quirky, dark and strangely funny as you would expect any book from Lemony Snicket to be. The story follows a ghost fish as he searches for some company. Readers enjoy a tour of the busy seaside town he lives in, which includes all the ghost creatures that loom above the ocean. Eventually he finds a ghost mate, in the supposedly haunted lighthouse. 
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The story turns the potentially scary topic of ghosts into an everyday story about loneliness and friendship. A sweet little read that captures the imagination of a toddler and calms the fears a 5 year old may have.
Scroll down for:
​⚈​ 1 Play ideas  ⚈​ 2 Classroom Activities  ⚈​ 3 Links to more Resources
​Get your hands on this book here:
Toddler cutting practise - Age 2+
​Little ones master the skill of cutting at varying ages. We believe in letting them start practising as soon as they can physically handle a pair of scissors. It really takes a lot of coordination and muscle strength, which will develop the more they try.

To go with the story, why not try drawing some upside down 'ghost' animals out of chalk? Little ones can draw too, colour in shapes or help glue on fun googly eyes. Afterwards, encourage them to try cutting around the shapes. It is such a simple activity, it doesn't really matter if they slice a tail off or cut right down the middle. They will have fun and be building up those important hand muscles.

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram -  HERE
Chalk drawing - Age 1+

In colder months, bring sidewalk chalk inside. Its large size is great for toddlers to grasp on to. Let them explore and draw themselves or draw pictures from a book you are looking at and let them colour in.
  • Write your own ghost friendship story
  • Create a list of tips for finding new friends or what makes a great friend
  • Link the story to a study of extinct animals and create ghost pictures of animals we've lost forever
  • Discuss grief and ways to support friends who may be grieving
Scholastic have a nice lesson plan for K-5 called "Drawing Grief" which can be found HERE.

Child Bereavement UK also have 4 different lessons to work through, HERE. 
Click below for other books and activities about Autumn (and Halloween):