The Monster in the Night
What’s inside...
The story revolves around a young protagonist who hears strange noises at night and suspects there's a monster hiding somewhere. As the mystery unfolds, the child's imagination takes flight, leading to an adventurous quest to uncover the truth. It's a tale of curiosity, bravery, and the power of imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when they first saw the monster, and how did their feelings change by the end?
What would you do if you met a monster like the one in the book?
What are some ways the character showed bravery in the story?
Can you think of a time when you were scared and how you dealt with it?
Why do you think the monster acted the way it did, and what can we learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show interest in their responses to encourage deeper thinking; nod and smile to affirm their thoughts.
Relate the book's themes to the child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Ask follow-up questions that prompt further reflection, such as 'What else do you think could happen next in the story?'
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Monster in the Night' demonstrates bravery by confronting the frightening noises in the dark, which turns out to be a friendly creature needing help.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's the dark, a new school, or meeting new people, teaching them resilience and confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: When the protagonist discovers the source of the fear is actually a scared creature, they offer help and companionship instead of reacting with fear or aggression.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to empathize with others' feelings and situations, fostering a sense of compassion and community support in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Curiosity
Explanation: The story encourages exploring the unknown and finding creative ways to understand mysterious situations, demonstrating the protagonist's imaginative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace curiosity and creativity in learning and interacting with the world around them, enhancing their cognitive and social skills.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Social Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist and the creature develop a strong bond, showcasing the importance and value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to build and maintain friendships, improving their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.