Do You See the Monster Under My Bed?
What’s inside...
The story follows a young child who believes there is a monster living under their bed. As the child navigates their fear, they discover the power of imagination and the value of facing one's fears with courage and determination. Many children around the world have often wondered what lies underneath their beds at night. In this story, Chuka and his Dad try to uncover what lurks in the darkness underneath his bed. Join Chuka and Dad for the ride to see what they find. Your child may feel empowered by the child in this story to feel less anxious at bedtime, especially when the lights go out or dim. Does your little one have an anxiety monster that may take on many shapes and likes to visit at bedtime? Learn to tame your imagination and decrease bedtime anxiety.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the child in the story felt when they first saw the monster? Why?
What would you do if you found a monster under your bed? Would you be scared, curious, or something else?
What did the child and the monster learn about each other by the end of the book?
Why is it important to not judge someone based on how they look?
How did the child's feelings about the monster change throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when discussing the monster, reflecting the adventure and discovery in the story, to create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by asking if they've ever felt scared of something unknown, and how they overcame that fear.
Praise your child’s responses to encourage open communication, showing them that their thoughts and feelings about the book matter.
Discuss the moral of the story, emphasizing the importance of understanding and friendship over fear and assumptions.
After reading, you might spend some time drawing or imagining your own 'friendly monsters' together, incorporating creativity into your discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The protagonist of the story learns to confront and understand his fear of the monster under his bed. Through imaginative dialogue, he realizes the monster is not scary but simply misunderstood.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's darkness, meeting new people, or trying new activities, and understand that often these fears are not as intimidating once confronted.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Friendship
Explanation: The story shows how the protagonist befriends the monster, learning that despite their differences, they share many similarities. This friendship blossoms through communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic and make friends with those who may appear different. It teaches the importance of looking beyond external appearances to the character and feelings of others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist and the monster learn to communicate their feelings and fears, which helps them understand each other better and resolve misconceptions.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn the value of expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly. It teaches them that talking about issues can lead to resolutions and strengthen relationships.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The child's interactions with the monster are driven by imaginative scenarios that bring them closer. This creative thinking turns fear into fun and adventure.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to turn scary or negative situations into enjoyable experiences. It also highlights creativity as a tool for problem-solving and changing perspectives.
Example Lesson: Courage and Personal Growth
Explanation: By confronting the monster, the protagonist displays courage, which leads to personal growth and confidence as he overcomes his initial fear.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to take brave steps in their lives, whether in making new friends, trying new activities, or standing up for what is right, helping them grow into confident individuals.