The Boy Who Hatched Monsters
#3 in Monster Who Wasn't Trilogy Series
What’s inside...
Sam's life has always been strange, being half monster and half fairy, but now he holds an even bigger secret - the power to bring monsters to life. When Queen Maggie discovers Sam's ability, she demands he create a legion of vile ogres for her. Sam refuses, prompting Queen Maggie to threaten everything he loves. As tensions escalate, a final battle looms that will determine the fate of Sam and all of monsterkind. This marks the climax of T.C. Shelley's magical fantasy trilogy, appealing to fans of Jennifer Bell, Sophie Anderson, and Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book.
Character compass
Sam
Tingle
Onny
Ebony
Discussion points
What do you think the monsters represent in the story?
How did the boy's feelings change throughout the book, and why?
Why is it important to confront our fears, like the boy does in the story?
What would you do if you met a monster, and how would you make friends with it?
How do the other characters in the book react to the monsters, and what does that teach us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the monsters in the book to any 'monsters' they might be facing in their own life.
Discuss the importance of bravery and understanding as seen in the boy's actions. Ask how these themes can be applied to their daily interactions.
Prompt your child to imagine their own ending to the story or an additional adventure involving the boy and his monsters.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the value of empathy and kindness towards others who are different from us.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: In 'The Boy Who Hatched Monsters', the protagonist learns to confront mysterious creatures, symbolizing the broader theme of dealing with unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing new challenges, such as starting a new school or meeting new people, can be approached with bravery and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: As the boy cares for the creatures he unintentionally hatched, he understands the importance of taking responsibility for the outcomes of his actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of accepting responsibility, whether it's in completing their homework or cleaning up after playtime.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and care for the monsters, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to show empathy and kindness towards peers who might seem different from them, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The boy adapts to the ongoing changes brought by the monsters, learning how to coexist with them.
Real-World Application: This mirrors the adaptability required in a child’s life, such as adjusting to a new sibling or moving to a new neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the boy uses his wit to resolve unexpected challenges created by the monsters.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of using their imagination and creativity to solve problems, whether in their studies or in social scenarios.