Bedtime Monsters
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
Creaking, squeaking, gnashing, and glinking, the bedtime monsters are stirring under the bed, in the closet, and behind the radiator. Poor Arnold is too scared to fall asleep and feels powerless to get rid of them. Despite his mother's reassurances, the monsters seem undeterred. However, Arnold discovers that even the most terrible monsters have fears of their own. This empowering tale explores harnessing the imagination and conquering nighttime fears.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
The Monsters
Discussion points
How do you think the monsters feel when it's bedtime?
What do you think the monsters can do to have a better night's sleep?
Are there any funny or interesting moments in the story that stood out to you?
If you could be friends with one of the monsters, which one would you pick and why?
What would you do if you met a bedtime monster under your bed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each monster to make the story come alive. Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or monster from the book to further ignite their imagination. Validate any fears they express and discuss ways to overcome them, relating it back to how the characters in the book handle their bedtime woes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: In 'Bedtime Monsters,' the protagonist confronts imaginary monsters that appear at bedtime, learning to face and overcome his fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by managing their own fears, whether it's fear of the dark, starting school, or making new friends, fostering bravery and resilience.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The story showcases the child devising creative solutions to deal with the monsters, emphasizing the importance of thinking critically and solving problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving skills in real-life situations, such as resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming obstacles in learning.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with the monsters, he begins to understand and empathize with them, revealing that they too have fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that everyone has fears and encourages them to be empathetic towards others' feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: The vibrant and whimsical depiction of monsters highlights the power and joy of imagination in 'Bedtime Monsters.'
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination not just in play, but as a tool to confront and cope with real-world issues.