Monster Beneath my Bed
What’s inside...
You're all tucked into bed when you hear a sound. Was it in the closet? Maybe beneath your bed? You tell your parents, but they say there is no such thing as monsters. You know what you heard, right? Follow one little girl's scary nights as she struggles with the noises she hears coming from beneath her bed in this (mostly) true story. Find out what she learned about her monster in the surprise ending that will leave everyone feeling relieved about what lurks in their bedroom at night.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they first discovered the monster? How would you feel?
Why is it important to understand someone who is different from us, like the monster in the story?
Can you think of a time when you were scared of something and found out it wasn’t so scary after all?
What are some ways the main character tried to solve their problem? What would you have done differently?
How did the friendship between the child and the monster change by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the monster, relating it to any personal fears they might have.
Ask your child to draw their own ‘monster’ and describe what makes it unique, promoting creativity and understanding.
Discuss the value of empathy and kindness, highlighting how the main character interacts with the monster.
After reading, encourage your child to retell the story in their own words, boosting their recall and narrative skills.
Explore the theme of friendship together, discussing how friendships can develop in unexpected ways.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The protagonist learns to confront and understand the imaginary monster under their bed, eventually discovering it's not as scary as they thought.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it’s trying out a new activity or dealing with nighttime fears, and learn that understanding their fears can reduce their power.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Friendship
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist befriends the monster, learning about its feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be empathetic towards others who might seem different at first and highlights the importance of friendship and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The child uses their imagination to create various scenarios with the monster which turns their fear into a fun adventure.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their own creativity to transform situations and problems they face, making everyday challenges more manageable and enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist and the monster collaborate to address mutual fears, showcasing teamwork and problem solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied when children work together in groups in school or play, learning that working with others can lead to effective solutions and stronger relationships.