Maurice Sendak's Seven Little Monsters: Bedtime Story - Book #3
#3 of 4 in Maurice Sendak's Seven Little Monsters Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
When sleep eludes the seven little monsters, Mama tells them the story of her life. The Seven Little Monsters love a good story, but they do not like to go to bed! A bedtime story from Mama helps the monsters go to sleep.
Discussion points
How do you think each monster feels about bedtime? What clues in the story make you think that?
What do you like to do before bed to get ready for sleep, just like the monsters?
If you could create your own monster, what would it look like and what would its bedtime routine be?
Why do you think it’s important for the monsters to have a bedtime routine?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of each monster’s personality?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each monster to bring the story to life and capture your child's interest.
Encourage your child to talk about their own bedtime routine in relation to the monsters’. This can provide comforting parallels.
Ask your child to imagine and describe an additional monster and discuss how it would fit into the story. This boosts creative thinking and engagement with the text.
Discuss the importance of sleep and routines, emphasizing how even the monsters in the book follow them.
Point out the different characteristics of the monsters and relate them to diverse personalities, stressing acceptance and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of cooperation
Explanation: In the story, the seven monsters must work together to solve their bedtime dilemma, showcasing how teamwork leads to successful problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn that collaborating with others, whether at home or in school, can help them achieve common goals and overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Respecting individual differences
Explanation: Each monster has its own unique bedtime routine, which teaches that everyone has different needs and preferences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and respect the differences in others around them, fostering more inclusive and considerate behaviors.
Example Lesson: The importance of routine
Explanation: The monsters all have specific roles and routines to follow for bedtime, emphasizing the value of consistency and structure.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to develop their own routines to aid in daily tasks, helping them manage time effectively and create a sense of security.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: When obstacles arise in the story, the monsters must think creatively to find solutions, demonstrating critical problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach conflicts or difficulties in life with a problem-solving mindset, boosting their resilience and adaptability.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The monsters use their imagination to transform their bedtime into an enjoyable experience, highlighting how creativity can turn challenges into fun.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to navigate and enhance their world, turning mundane tasks into engaging activities.