The Human under My Bed and King for the Day
What’s inside...
Experience the magic of childhood imagination with 'The Human under My Bed and King for the Day' by Mignonne Gunasekara. This delightful book offers two captivating stories, each weaving themes of bravery, creativity, and leadership. The first story, 'The Human under My Bed,' follows a young monster who conquers his fear of humans with courage and curiosity. The second tale, 'King for the Day,' charts a day in the life of a young boy who discovers the responsibilities and joys of leadership. Both stories are designed to boost emotional intelligence and empathy, making this book a valuable tool for nurturing these skills in young readers. Perfect for shared reading, this book will empower children to explore their fears and leadership potential, all while enjoying enchanting narratives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you discovered a human under your bed like in the story? What would you do first?
If you were king for a day like the character in the book, what rules would you make?
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did in the stories?
What do you think is the main message of each story?
How would you help a friend who was scared, like the character with the human under the bed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by summarizing the book together, ensuring your child understands the plot and characters. Show genuine interest in their responses and thoughts about the story, and relate their answers to real-life scenarios when applicable. Encourage them to think critically about the characters’ emotions and decisions, while tying it back to the child's own experiences and feelings. Furthermore, uplift their imagination by prompting them to think about what they would do differently if they were in similar situations as the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'The Human under My Bed,' the story unfolds from the perspective of a monster, teaching children to see the world through others' eyes and understand different emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to their peers who may seem different from them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'King for the Day,' the protagonist learns about the responsibilities that come with leadership, emphasizing the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the consequences of their actions and encourages them to be mindful when making decisions, even in small group settings or family matters.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: In 'The Human under My Bed,' the monster character confronts his fear of humans, illustrating the value of facing fears rather than avoiding them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, participating in a school play, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: Both stories encourage children to think creatively, with fantastical elements and innovative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: These stories inspire children to use their imagination in play and learning, enhancing their creative thinking skills which can be applied in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Understanding leadership and fairness
Explanation: In 'King for the Day,' the story highlights how true leaders consider the needs and feelings of others, promoting fairness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fairness in leadership, which can be applied during team activities and group projects, helping them to become fair and respected leaders among their peers.