I'm Not Scary!
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
This touch-and-feel book by Rod Campbell invites young readers to interact with the story by feeling different textures. The book helps children understand that appearances can be deceiving and that creatures who might seem scary at first can be friendly once you get to know them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the monster felt when others were afraid of him?
What would you do if you met someone who looked different from you?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood? How did you handle it?
Why is it important to look beyond appearances?
How can we show kindness to someone who feels left out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic tone to discuss the monster’s feelings, encouraging your child to explore empathy and understanding.
Relate the story to real-life situations your child might encounter, like meeting new people or starting at a new school.
Ask your child to draw a picture of the monster and describe a story where the monster makes a new friend.
Encourage your child to think of ways to be inclusive and kind to everyone, regardless of how they look or act.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: In 'I'm Not Scary!', the main character, a gentle monster, demonstrates that being different is not only acceptable but valuable.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate their unique traits and understand that diversity enriches their experiences and relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing fear
Explanation: The story showcases how the monster deals with being misunderstood due to its appearance, teaching kids how to cope with and overcome fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these strategies when facing their own fears or when encountering new or unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and acceptance
Explanation: Through the interactions between the monster and other characters, the book highlights the importance of showing empathy and accepting others, regardless of how they look.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be kind and accepting towards their peers, promoting a more inclusive environment at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Confidence in self-expression
Explanation: The monster confidently expresses its true, friendly nature despite initial judgments, teaching children the value of self-acceptance and expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be true to themselves in social interactions, which can lead to more genuine and fulfilling relationships.