The Brave Beast
#2 of 7 in Spirit Animals Series
What’s inside...
A compelling and humorous picture book about overcoming fear from the creator of The Lonely Beast. The Beast is back and this time it's up to him to help restore peace to an island which is being threatened by a scary monster. Determined to face his fears, the Beast sets out to find the monster. But perhaps the island monster isn't so scary after all. Visit The Lonely Beast website at: www.thelonelybeast.com
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Beast brave?
How do you feel when you face something scary?
What are some ways the Beast shows kindness to others?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone who was different from you?
What would you do if you met the Beast in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story's emotions to life, helping your child connect with the Beast's bravery.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to the Beast’s adventures, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see, promoting observation and imagination.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene, helping them express their understanding and feelings about the story creatively.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist overcoming fears to confront challenges, showing bravery isn't the absence of fear but facing it head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that it's normal to feel scared and learn to be courageous by facing small daily challenges, like trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The Brave Beast demonstrates understanding and compassion towards characters that are different or misunderstood, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand the feelings of their peers in school or play, promoting a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Brave Beast encounters various problems that require creative solutions, emphasizing the value of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by developing their problem-solving skills during group activities or homework, enhancing their cognitive abilities and decision-making.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: The character consistently persist despite obstacles, illustrating that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to continue working towards their goals, such as learning a new skill or improving in a sport, despite challenges.