Monster Shoes
What’s inside...
Jack's mum insists he has new school shoes and the only ones they can find are horrid, black lace-ups. They are so stiff, noisy and uncomfortable that Jack suspects they must be monster shoes, especially when they seem to kick his classmates for no reason and make the football go in completely the wrong direction at playtime. Jack desperately works on a plan to get rid of them, until he discovers, quite by accident, a way of taming the monster shoes.
Age
5-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you had a pair of Monster Shoes? Where would you go?
How do you think the main character felt when they first tried on their Monster Shoes?
What are some ways the Monster Shoes helped the characters in the story?
If you could design your own pair of magical shoes, what special powers would they have?
How do you think the story would change if the Monster Shoes were lost?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own magical shoes, enhancing their creativity and connection to the story.
Ask your child how they feel about the characters' decisions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the moral of the story to reinforce values like courage and kindness.
Use the questions to connect the story to your child’s real experiences, like trying something new or dealing with unexpected changes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Monster Shoes,' the protagonist monster learns to understand and share the feelings of another character who is different from him.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to their peers who might come from different backgrounds or have different experiences, promoting a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Monster Shoes,' the characters encounter various challenges that they must solve by working together, using their unique skills.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to think creatively and collaboratively when faced with obstacles, strengthening their critical thinking and teamwork skills.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The main character musters the courage to overcome fears when trying on the 'monster shoes' which initially seem intimidating.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and tackle new challenges, whether it's trying a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The monster learns to take responsibility for his actions when his decision to wear the shoes affects others around him.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of considering the consequences of their actions on others, fostering a sense of responsibility towards their community.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks, the characters in 'Monster Shoes' persevere and ultimately succeed, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and resilience in the face of difficulties, a crucial skill for personal growth and success.