The Monster Who Was Scared of Soap: A Bloomsbury Young Reader: Gold Book Band
Bloomsbury Readers Series
What’s inside...
'Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader.' (Julie-Ann McCulloch, Teacher) Gold Book Band. Ideal for ages 6+. A laugh-out-loud, zany tale about monsters, friendship and bath times, ideal for children practising reading at home or in school. Gerald the monster HATES baths. Being all was...
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the monster was scared of soap?
What changed the monster’s mind about using soap?
How do you feel when you try something new that scares you?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like the monster?
What would you say to a friend who was scared of something to help them feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the monster’s experiences to real-life situations your child may face, helping them draw parallels and understanding.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and fears, reassuring them that it's okay to be scared.
Discuss the importance of trying new things and the positive outcomes that can come from facing fears.
Celebrate your child's courage when they share or recall instances of facing their fears, reinforcing positive behavior.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging, changing your tone to match the emotions of the scenes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: The story centers around a monster who is initially scared of soap, showcasing his journey as he confronts and overcomes his fear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own fears and understand that facing them is a part of growth. It teaches them resilience and the importance of confronting challenges.
Example Lesson: Hygiene importance
Explanation: As the monster learns to stop fearing soap, he also discovers the benefits of cleanliness.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to adopt good hygiene habits, emphasizing the importance of washing hands and staying clean.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Other characters in the book help the monster overcome his fear, providing support and understanding throughout his journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of helping others in their times of need, fostering kindness and empathy in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Change is possible
Explanation: The monster’s attitude towards soap changes by the end of the book, demonstrating a significant personal growth and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to be open to change and growth, helping them understand that it’s never too late to adjust one’s habits and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the roles friends play in helping the monster face his fears, showing how friendship can lead to positive changes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building supportive friendships which can help them overcome personal challenges and fears.