Monster and Boy: The Sister Surprise
#3 of 3 in Monster and Boy Series
What’s inside...
Monster and Boy are back for another adventure! And this time the best friends are in for a sister surprise! Ever since Monster (who sleeps under the bed) and Boy (who sleeps in the bed) met and became best friends, they've learned a lot about each other. So when Monster notices that Boy seems grumpy (Boy's mom has told him he's getting another baby sister), Monster decides to cheer his friend up. Together, they set out on a surprise adventure! But Boy's sister has tagged along. Together, they learn about how monster babies are born and get their names, before Boy and his sister find yet another surprise waiting for them back home. Told with a warm, cozy voice, Hannah Barnaby's story is brought to life with adorable two-color illustrations by Anoosha Syed. Filled with adventure and humor, Monster and The Sister Surprise is a perfect chapter book for sharing with kids just aging out of picture books and for newly independent readers.
Discussion points
How do you think Boy felt when he first met Monster's sister? What would you do if you were in his place?
What are some ways Boy and Monster show they care about each other's feelings?
Why is it important to have friends who are different from us? What do Boy and Monster learn from each other?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a sibling like Boy helps Monster? What happened?
How do you think the story would change if Monster's sister didn't arrive? What new adventures would you imagine for Monster and Boy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their feelings and thoughts freely, validating their emotions as they relate to the story.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the characters' experiences and their own life, deepening their connection to the narrative.
Encourage your child to elaborate on their answers by asking follow-up questions like 'Why do you think that?' or 'Can you tell me more about that?'
Utilize the themes of friendship and understanding differences as a lens to discuss your child’s current relationships and friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: In the story, the bond between Monster and Boy strengthens as they navigate challenges, demonstrating how empathy and understanding are crucial in relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, fostering better friendships and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often rely on each other's unique abilities to solve problems, highlighting the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others and appreciate diverse perspectives when facing tasks or challenges at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The characters routinely encounter and overcome unfamiliar situations, teaching that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to step out of their comfort zones, whether trying new activities, making new friends, or asking questions in class.
Example Lesson: Understanding family dynamics
Explanation: The story explores the complexities of family relationships through the interactions between Monster, Boy, and Boy’s sister, providing insights into resolving familiar conflicts.
Real-World Application: This can help children navigate their own family relationships with more compassion and patience, leading to a more harmonious home environment.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of others’ differences
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the characters meet others who are vastly different from themselves but learn to embrace these differences rather than fear them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate diversity in their own lives, understanding that everyone's unique traits contribute to a richer, more varied world.