The Monsters of Morley Manor
by Bruce Coville
Book talk:
What would happen if you bought a strange looking carved box at a tag
sale but the box was locked. You are dying to know what is inside. So,
you get a set of small screwdrivers and undo the screws in the hinges.
You still can’t open it. A creepy fog seeps out of the edges and
you can see an eerie green glow. A zap of energy runs through your fingers
as you touch the box. Do you try to pry it open or hide it away?
DON’T OPEN THAT BOX!
Discussion questions:
• Give a brief summary of the plot without telling the ending.
• What is the genre of this story?
• Describe Anthony’s family. What sad event happened in Anthony’s
life recently?
• How does Anthony meet the Family Morleskievich and how did they
get that way?
• Who is Mr. Perkins and why is he so nasty?
• How are Anthony and Sarah able to sneak out at night?
• Why do you think Anthony and Sarah help the Morleys?
• Would you have helped the monsters?
• What is the Heart of Zentarazna?
• Who is the Wentar?
• Who are the Flinduvians? What is their evil plan for the souls
of dead Earthings?
• Why do they need Gramma Walker’s help? What is her connection
the Morley family?
• Would you have been able to follow Gasper’s instructions
for his transformation into a human? Why or why not?
• How does Anthony feel when he inhabits the body of the Flinduvian?
• What does this story say about family bonds?
• What does Anthony’s grandfather want him to remember? Do
you think that is important and why?
• Would you change anything about this story? How and why?
Projects:
• Make paper bag monster masks
• Make a movie poster to advertise the book
• Make a bookmark
• Write a book review
• Make your own cover for the book
Promoting the Nutmeg Books
• Display color covers of the all the books on a bulletin board
along with information about the book.
• Have a discussion group with snacks
• Visit schools and book talk in classrooms
Submitted by: Peggy Day
Last updated on: 18 September, 2008
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