For Teachers & Librarians
Bring the Mystery
to Your Classroom
Free printable activities, discussion guides, and read-aloud tips built around The Great Ghost Mix Up — perfect for grades K–3.
Printable Activities
The Detective’s Toolkit
Download, print, and hand out. Each activity is designed to extend the story and build skills — no prep required.
Finish the Pattern
Students complete repeating patterns using shapes and characters from Savannah Manor — a fun logic exercise that builds early math reasoning.
Download WorksheetSmokey's Challenge
Help Smokey the detective cat sniff out the hidden clues! A clever matching and observation activity straight from the head detective of Savannah Manor.
Download WorksheetMatch the Shadows
Can your students match each silhouette to the right Savannah Manor character? A great exercise in visual observation and story recall.
Download WorksheetSpot the Difference
Two Savannah Manor scenes with hidden differences — only the sharpest young detectives will find them all. Perfect for building attention to detail.
Discussion Guide
Start the Conversation
Open-ended questions to spark thinking about mystery, bravery, teamwork, and storytelling.
Georgia is brave and jumps right into solving mysteries. Rowdy is more careful and thoughtful. How did their different styles help them work as a team?
When the lights went out, both kids felt scared — but they kept going. What gave them the courage to face the unknown? What helps you feel brave when things are scary?
Smokey and Baby D helped solve the mystery in very different ways. What were each of their special skills? Which cat's detective style is most like yours?
The twist ending surprised everyone. Looking back at the story, were there any clues you missed the first time? Go back and see what you can find!
The story is set in a real farmhouse in Tennessee. How does the setting — the stormy night, the old house, the long dark hallways — make the mystery feel more exciting?
If there were a second Savannah Manor Mystery, what do you think it should be about? Who would be the main suspect?
Story Time
Read-Aloud Tips
A few tricks for bringing the mystery to life — whether you’re reading to a class of thirty or curled up at home.
Give each character a voice
Georgia: confident and bold. Rowdy: careful and measured. Smokey: dignified and self-important. Baby D: aloof but secretly invested. Small voice differences go a long way!
Pause for the mystery
"Did Mom and Dad really bring a ghost into Savannah Manor?" — let the silence hang. Give students a moment to wonder before turning the page.
Make it a prediction game
Stop at key moments and ask: What do you think the blur was? Who or what made that sound? Keeping students guessing deepens comprehension.
Hunt for clues together
Before reading, tell students to listen for clues. Ask them to raise their hand when they spot one — then discuss after each page turn.
Celebrate the twist
The ending is a joyful surprise. Let students react! Shared delight at a good twist builds a love of storytelling and the power of a well-placed surprise.
Interested in Hosting a Reading Event?
Ashley is available for author readings and visits at libraries, coffee shops, bookstores, classrooms, and anywhere kids love to gather. If you’re interested in hosting a group reading of The Great Ghost Mix Up, reach out — she’d love to bring Savannah Manor to your community.
Get in Touch