Amanda Pig and the Awful, Scary Monster (Oliver and Amanda)
#15 in Oliver and Amanda Pig Series
What’s inside...
Poor Amanda Pig is convinced that there are monsters in her bedroom, keeping her from getting any sleep. She goes to great lengths, building traps and reciting poetry, to keep the monsters away. As she confronts her fear, she realizes that she must be brave and face the possibility that monsters may not be real after all. This easy reader tale highlights the process of facing and overcoming fears.
Discussion points
How do you think Amanda felt when she thought there was a monster? Have you ever felt scared like that?
What are some ways Amanda tried to deal with her fear? Can you think of other ways she could have handled it?
Why do you think it's important to talk to someone when you're scared?
How did Amanda’s perception of the monster change throughout the story? Have you ever changed your mind about something after learning more about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about fear by relating to Amanda’s experiences. Use the questions to guide a discussion that acknowledges their fears and teaches problem-solving. Reinforce the idea that fears can often be lessened by understanding more about what scares us, and by seeking support from others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: Amanda confronts her fear of monsters through imagination, gradually understanding that her fear was exaggerated.
Real-World Application: Children learn to address their own fears, understanding that sometimes their imagination can amplify their concerns, and they can tackle these fears gradually.
Example Lesson: Use of creativity and imagination
Explanation: Throughout the story, Amanda uses her creativity to turn her fear of monsters into a playful activity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use creativity as a tool to solve problems and transform potentially scary situations into enjoyable experiences.
Example Lesson: Sibling support and cooperation
Explanation: Amanda’s brother helps her in her imaginative play, showing that teamwork and support can help overcome fears.
Real-World Application: Teaches the value of sibling support and cooperation in day-to-day challenges, reinforcing the importance of familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Amanda’s journey through fear to having fun shows an emotional development from being scared to enjoying herself.
Real-World Application: Children learn that emotions can be managed and that feeling scared or anxious is natural, but these emotions can be navigated with support and creativity.