The Monster in The Closet
What’s inside...
The Monster in The Closet follows the thrilling tale of a young protagonist who discovers a mysterious creature lurking in their closet. As the story unfolds, the child learns that the monster is not what it seems and embarks on an unexpected journey of friendship and self-discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-18
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the monster in the closet was hiding? What do you think he might have been feeling?
If you were the main character, how would you try to make friends with the monster?
What are some ways the characters showed bravery in the story? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
How do you think the story would change if the monster lived under the bed instead of in the closet?
What would you say to the monster if you met him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy, inviting reading environment to make discussions more open and relaxed. Show interest in your child's perspectives and encourage them to think deeply by asking follow-up questions based on their responses. Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences to make the conversation more personal and meaningful. Use expressions and voice modulation to mimic the characters, making the storytelling more engaging and lively, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the characters' emotions and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts the 'monster' in the closet only to discover it’s not as scary as imagined.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and understand that many fears are unfounded once confronted.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: When the main character learns the monster is lonely, they invite it to play, promoting inclusion.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic and inclusive, teaching them to understand others' feelings and welcome them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist must figure out how to deal with the monster, demonstrating critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of creatively solving problems, which can help them in school tasks and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the growth of a friendship between the child and the monster, showing how unlikely friendships can form.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to making friends in unexpected places and circumstances.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: By bravely facing what scares them, the child in the story sets an example of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of courage in overcoming personal challenges and fears in their daily life.