Mess Monsters
on Goodreads (74)
What’s inside...
There are Mess Monsters under the bed! When they're out, they'll smash, they'll crash, they'll bang and clang, stamp and stomp! But most of all they'll make a mess.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Mess Monsters look like and why do they make such a mess?
How do the characters in the book feel about having Mess Monsters around? How would you feel?
What are some ways we can keep the Mess Monsters away from our home?
Do you think Mess Monsters only visit children or adults too? Why?
If you could talk to a Mess Monster, what would you say or ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before you start reading, ask your child to predict what the book might be about just by hearing the title. This sets the stage for active reading.
While reading, emphasize the emotions of the characters when they encounter Mess Monsters to help your child understand the feelings involved.
Post-reading, encourage your child to draw their version of a Mess Monster and explain their unique characteristics. This helps in connecting visuals to text and boosts creativity.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s experiences by discussing any 'messy' situations they have encountered and how they resolved them.
Ask your child to think about rules they would create for the Mess Monsters if they lived in their room, fostering problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Mess Monsters,' the young protagonist learns to take responsibility for their own mess, as they deal with playful but mischievous monsters who thrive on clutter.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking charge of keeping their own spaces tidy, such as their room or play area, reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The story encourages using imaginative solutions to solve problems, as the character creatively figures out how to manage the mess-making monsters.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think of inventive ways to organize their belongings and to solve other problems they face in daily life.
Example Lesson: Consequences
Explanation: The book illustrates the consequences of letting mess pile up, reflected in the increasing boldness of the monsters.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions, like not cleaning up, have direct consequences, such as not being able to find important items when needed.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Towards the end, the protagonist realizes the value of working together with others to tackle big tasks like cleaning up a huge mess.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of teamwork and that cooperating with others can make daunting tasks more manageable.