Ten Creepy Monsters
on Goodreads (280)
What’s inside...
Ten Creepy Monsters is a children's book by Carey F. Armstrong-Ellis that follows ten monsters, including a mummy, witch, and vampire, as they disappear one by one under a gnarled pine. The book features rhymes, ghoulish illustrations, and a tender ending. It has received praise for its humor, detailed artwork, and suitability for Halloween and counting lessons.
Discussion points
What do you think each monster might be feeling as they disappear one by one?
Why do you think the monsters are disappearing? What could they be doing instead?
How would you describe the monsters to a friend? Which monster is your favorite and why?
If you could add another monster to the story, what would it look like and what would it do?
How do you feel at the end of the book? Were you surprised by how the story ended?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each monster to make the reading experience more vivid and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe a new monster, enhancing their creativity and connection to the story.
Discuss the emotions conveyed through the illustrations and text to deepen understanding of the story’s themes.
Relate the story to personal experiences where they might have felt scared or surprised, fostering empathy and personal connection.
Celebrate the completion of the book by creating a simple craft or drawing related to the story, reinforcing the themes and making the experience memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Counting and number recognition
Explanation: As the monsters disappear one by one, the book offers a fun and engaging way for children to practice counting backwards, reinforcing number recognition.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this skill in their daily activities, such as organizing toys or sharing snacks, where they need to count objects or understand quantity.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Each monster leaves the group due to various reasons, showing children how actions lead to results.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect, fostering decision-making skills as they consider the consequences of their actions in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: The playful and humorous depiction of monsters helps to demystify and reduce the fear children might have about monsters.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face and manage common fears, such as darkness or imaginary creatures, building courage and resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story portrays monsters in a group, subtly teaching about companionship and support among friends.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of being supportive and staying connected with friends, helping them build healthy social relationships.