The Beast
Usborne Thrillers Series
on Goodreads (43)
What’s inside...
Amanda and her brother Grant are on a family holiday in a remote Scottish valley when Amanda senses something is off. Despite her fears being dismissed by her family, she notices mysterious shadows and strange scratches on Grant. Grant initially doesn't believe her, but starts to when he hears a menacing creature at night. Together, they realize a beast is lurking in the Valley of Shadows, preparing to attack.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
132 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Beast feels when it's misunderstood by others?
How do the characters in the story show courage or kindness?
Why is it important not to judge someone based on their appearance?
What would you do if you met someone like the Beast?
How did the story change the way you think about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions that foster deeper thinking.
Relate the themes of the story to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, such as empathy and understanding, and discuss why they are important in real life.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book to stimulate their creativity and perspective-taking skills.
Validate your child's responses and expand on them by sharing your own insights, promoting a two-way dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'The Beast,' the protagonist confronts a mysterious creature, embodying bravery despite feeling scared. This act of courage is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for themselves, demonstrating bravery in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story illustrates the protagonist's journey to understanding the Beast, shifting from fear to empathy as more is learned about the creature's situation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the perspectives and feelings of others, fostering empathy and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: Curiosity leads the protagonist to uncover the truth about the Beast, showing how seeking knowledge helps resolve fear and misunderstanding.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to ask questions and learn more about the world around them, promoting intellectual growth and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: The protagonist learns to take responsibility for their initial reactions and to make amends. This highlights personal growth through accountability.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to own their actions and learn from their mistakes, an essential skill for personal development.