Benita and the Night Creatures
What’s inside...
Benita loves to read in bed but keeps getting interrupted by a whistling Tunche, a scary Supay, and other spooky creatures from Peruvian lore. Despite their attempts to frighten her, Benita remains unfazed, deeply engrossed in her book. This humorous celebration of bedtime reading showcases a global perspective on transforming monsters from scary to silly. It has been selected as the National Education Association's Read Across America October 2024 Elementary Pick!
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Benita
Discussion points
What do you think Benita felt when she first heard the night creatures? Can you describe a time you felt the same?
Why do you think the night creatures behaved the way they did?
How did Benita’s understanding of the night creatures change throughout the story? What helped her understand them better?
If you were Benita, what would you do differently when meeting the night creatures?
What do you think is the message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating to both exciting and scary moments.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to boost engagement and critical thinking.
After reading, relate the themes of the book to your child’s real-life experiences to enhance understanding and personal connection.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, just as Benita learned about the night creatures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Benita shows bravery as she confronts the mysterious night creatures instead of hiding from them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face new challenges or unfamiliar situations with bravery, helping them grow and learn from their experiences.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Benita learns to understand and empathize with the creatures she initially feared, discovering they are not so different from her.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic and understanding towards people who may seem different, fostering an inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Benita's adventure starts from her curiosity about the night sounds, leading to a journey of discovery.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek out new knowledge, driving their intellectual development.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her encounters, Benita builds friendships with the night creatures, showing the value of forming connections.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, which are vital for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: Benita overcomes her initial fear of the night and its creatures, transforming fear into fascination and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the valuable lesson of confronting their fears, helping them to overcome obstacles and build resilience.