Making Friends with Frankenstein
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
Making Friends With Frankenstein is the third book by Houghton that features a collection of 56 humorous poems accompanied by illustrations. The book includes a diverse cast of characters such as ghouls, ghosts, beasts, weirdos, The Wild Bill Hickok Bird, and The Doom Merchant. The poems and illustrations together offer a feast of ridiculous monsters, revolting insults, and awful aliens, promising readers hours of read-aloud fun in full color.
Age
6-12
Length
127 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Frankenstein's monster feel lonely, and how did he try to make friends?
How do you feel when you meet someone new, and what are some ways you can make them feel welcomed?
Why do you think people are sometimes scared of things that are different? How can we be more understanding?
What are some qualities that make someone a good friend?
If you were in the story, how would you help Frankenstein's monster feel more included?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Frankenstein's feelings by sharing a personal story of a time you felt left out or made a new friend.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding. Highlight how differences can enrich friendships rather than create barriers.
Praise your child’s insights and responses to affirm their understanding and encourage further discussion.
Use examples from the book to illustrate ways to be kind and inclusive, prompting your child to think of ways they can apply these lessons in their daily interactions.
Create a friendly and open atmosphere during the discussion, reminding your child that all feelings and thoughts they have are valid and appreciated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of acceptance and inclusivity
Explanation: The book features a range of quirky, unconventional characters who are embraced and accepted by others, despite their oddities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and cherish the differences in others around them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The narrative and illustrations encourage a vivid imagination, as children delve into a world where anything seems possible.
Real-World Application: This creativity can be transferred to problem-solving and storytelling skills, enriching a child's academic and social abilities.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Characters in the story form unexpected friendships, teaching the importance of forming bonds despite external appearances or first impressions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be open to making friends in diverse settings and learn that true friendship is based on mutual respect and understanding, not just surface-level similarities.