This year during the coronavirus pandemic, I have offered each of my books as a Raffle prize with a signed book.
September 2020 it was the turn of ‘A Spooky Tale’, just in time for Halloween. (Although not at all scary and not just for Halloween. A book written with the children in my class following a walk around our neighbourhood.) Our walk.
I asked the question:
‘What would you see?’
It was great to hear the thoughts of the entrants and I wonder what their maps would look like?
Deborah, would pass a bus shelter (I like that and hope no buses full of mean monsters would pass by), a primary school where there would be a crossing man to let her cross the road safely, then past the farm and under the railway bridge. At the allotments the nosy neighbours would want to know what she is up to and where she was going.
Amber lives beside the school and the football field so she would see a lot of football games. I wonder if there would be many spectators but hopefully lots of goals and no fouls.
Kerry might see a dragon banished by Luna Owl. He is trying to take over the Allerton Oak in Calderstone Park. She must have her story already written as she says she keeps checking to make sure he’s really gone.
Jude would see a car salvage yard with lonely smashed cars wondering about their fate, will they be crushed or fixed. Oh, No! Jay-Jay wonders if that is like his dirty dusty scrapyard and he remembers how scared he was. Luckily, he was saved. Phew!
Su said that she lives on the edge of the countryside so there are all manner of creatures hiding in the hedgerow. They call in their strange voices and can send a chill down your spine as you passby. Oh, that certainly sounds a Spooky Tale.
Mandy’s map would be gentler with lots of different flowers and fruit plant. Sounds like a prefect walking map to follow as you explore a beautiful garden.
Paul would see a flying cat.
Cassandra would see rocks and sand so maybe her journey map would take her to the beach.
Lauren said, ‘A walk on my neighbourhood is beautiful. I live in the desert, A coyote, cactus, bunnies, Joshua trees and lots of tumbleweed. Those are all normal things to see on a walk in my neighbourhood. That sound great and I can picture it in my mind.
Connie said ‘I always like to take my kids on an adventure’.
A Class walk in North Holmwood
Well it certainly sounds like everyone has used their imagination and have been inspired by my Spooky Tale.
Not at all scary really and certainly a tale not just for Halloween.
Perhaps you could take a few photos of your walk and create a story board.
Spooky Connections: https://suewickstead.co.uk/blog/spooky-connections
Where to get my books
Books are available from the following: My Books
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Waterstones
Barnes&Noble Foyles (amongst others)
Don't forget to look and ask in your local Museum, book shop or even buy on your Sainsburys on line shop!
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