Scary Sam the DON'T Monster
illustrations by
What’s inside...
For many kids, anxiety can be a real monster! For Joey, that monster is Sam, who follows him around all day saying, 'DON’T do this' and 'DON’T do that.' Sam makes Joey afraid to ride the school bus, raise his hand in class, play with the other kids, eat in the cafeteria, and join the soccer team. Until one day, Joey’s teacher Miss Lilypond, teaches Joey a valuable lesson on facing his fears. Scary Sam, the DON’T Monster can help children investigate their feelings and see that their anxiety doesn't have to be in charge or prevent them from doing whatever matters most to them. The relatable story and fun illustrations present a non-threatening way to familiarize kids with coping strategies that promote confidence and resilience. Inspired by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Scary Sam, the DON'T Monster will help parents, teachers, and counselors bring these strategies into the home and classroom. Throughout the story, children learn that it’s okay to have scary thoughts and feelings, and the best way to overcome anxiety is by 'doing,' instead of giving in to their fears. This is done by taking small steps, rather than big ones. The book can be used as an example and discussion starter for children to think about their own fears, make their own plan, and figure out the small steps that will help them reach their goals.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Sam scary, and how does he change throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you were afraid like the characters in the book? What helped you feel better?
How does Sam teach us about handling our fears?
What would you do if you met someone like Sam? How would you react?
Why is it important to listen and learn about someone before we decide they are scary?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, altering your voice for Sam and the other characters to enhance the storytelling experience.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Relate the story to your child's own experiences by discussing personal fears and how they’ve overcome them, linking the narrative to real-life situations.
Encourage your child to draw or act out different scenes from the book. This helps them engage creatively with the content and express their interpretations.
After reading, ask your child to imagine an alternative ending to the story where they decide what happens to Sam, promoting creative thinking and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Scary Sam the DON'T Monster consistently shows how ignoring advice or warnings can lead to trouble, teaching children the importance of listening and thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by following rules and instructions both at home and in school, understanding that these guidelines are meant to keep them safe and help them succeed.
Example Lesson: The power of saying 'Sorry'
Explanation: In one of the pivotal moments in the book, when Scary Sam realizes the effects of his actions, he apologizes, demonstrating the strength and impact of genuine remorse.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of apologizing when they’ve done something wrong, fostering humility and responsibility in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Scary Sam initially judges others based on his own standards and fears, but as the story progresses, he learns to accept and celebrate differences among his peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face their fears which teaches children that facing fears is a part of life and it's okay to feel scared sometimes.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to confront their own fears and understand that overcoming personal obstacles is a part of growing up.
Example Lesson: Importance of seeking help
Explanation: When Scary Sam feels overwhelmed, he seeks help from a friend, illustrating the importance of asking for support when needed.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s okay to ask for help in difficult situations, whether from a parent, teacher, or friend, reinforcing the concept of community and support systems.