God Is Bigger Than the Boogie Man
VeggieTales Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
This book is a reassuring tale for children that teaches them about trusting in God to overcome their fears, especially during the night time when they are afraid of the dark or imaginary monsters. The story is based on the popular song from the VeggieTales series, which helps children understand that God's love and presence are always with them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Junior Asparagus
Larry The Cucumber
Bob The Tomato
Discussion points
How do you think Junior felt when he was scared? What do you do when you're scared?
Why do you think God being bigger than the Boogie Man is important to Junior?
Can you think of a time when you felt braver after thinking about something bigger and stronger than your fears?
How do you think praying can help us when we feel scared?
What are some ways we can remind ourselves that God is always with us when we are afraid?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their fears openly, and listen without judgment. Discuss similar feelings of fear from your own experiences to create a relatable conversation. Reinforce the concept that it's normal to feel scared, and that there are ways to feel better, such as thinking about protective and comforting figures like those portrayed in the book. Use the book’s illustrations to point out visual cues that might help in understanding the character’s emotions and reactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Junior Asparagus, with the help of his friends, learns that God is always with him, thus bigger than any fears like the Boogie Man.
Real-World Application: Children can rely on their faith or personal beliefs for comfort during frightening situations, promoting emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Support
Explanation: Junior receives reassurance from his friends when he is scared, showing the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of supporting others who are frightened or anxious, fostering a nurturing community environment.
Example Lesson: The Power of Communication
Explanation: By expressing his fears, Junior opens up conversations about dealing with scary feelings, teaching children how to articulate their emotions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express their worries to trusted adults or peers, which can lead to helpful advice and diminish their fears.
Example Lesson: Faith in Everyday Life
Explanation: Through the characters, children see examples of how faith can provide comfort and guidance in everyday situations.
Real-World Application: Children understand that their faith can be a practical and comforting presence in their daily lives, not just in times of fear.
Example Lesson: Understanding Imagination
Explanation: Junior learns to differentiate between imaginary fears and reality, showing that the mind can play tricks.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to recognize when their imaginations are getting the better of them and seek reality checks from trusted people.