Monsters In My GArden
What’s inside...
A fun filled 32 page romp through a young girl's garden as she visits with all her monster friends. Written in rhyme and beautifully illustrated to showcase the various monsters a child can conjure up. This book was written to help kids learn to deal with their fears and understand the world they live in. There is a surprise twist at the end of the story.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the monsters in the garden represent in real life?
How do you feel when you encounter something new or unknown, like the child in the story?
Why do you think the child decided to befriend the monsters?
What would you do if you found a monster in our garden?
How can we help others who are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about the monsters, mirroring the child’s journey of curiosity and acceptance in the book. Use the discussion to explore themes of fear, acceptance, and friendship. Highlight similarities between the monsters and people we might initially find different, fostering empathy and understanding. Lastly, relate the story to personal experiences where your child faced something unknown or made a new friend.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays various unique monsters with different quirks and traits, symbolizing the diversity in our society.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts his fear by interacting with the monsters in his garden, learning that they are not as scary as he initially thought.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out new activities or making new friends, helping them to grow and become more confident.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The child's adventurous spirit leads him to explore and understand his mysterious garden guests.
Real-World Application: Promotes intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in children, encouraging them to learn more about the world around them through exploration and questioning.
Example Lesson: Friendship and empathy
Explanation: As the child gets to know the monsters, he forms unexpected friendships and learns to empathize with their feelings and stories.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of forming bonds and empathizing with others' perspectives, crucial skills for social interaction and emotional development.