The Monsterology Handbook: A Practical Course in Monsters (Ologies)
#1 of 17 in Ologies Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (9,530)
What’s inside...
Explore the world of mysterious creatures with two essential handbooks. The first one uncovers secrets about various monsters, their unique characteristics, and ways to handle them, complete with interactive features like pull-out surprises, stickers, and a certificate of achievement. The second book delves into the fascinating research of dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake, detailing the characteristics, abilities, and behaviors of dragons, enriched with novelty items such as dragon wings samples, riddles, and a dragon-calling spell, all bound in a beautifully designed faux leather cover.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the different monsters in the book? Do you see any similarities between their motivations and human motivations?
If you could meet any monster from the book, which one would you choose and why?
How do the illustrations influence your perception of the monsters? Do you think you would imagine them differently without the pictures?
What lessons do you think we can learn from studying monsters?
Which monster did you find the most interesting, and what would you like to learn more about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book to their own experiences by asking them how they would feel if they encountered a situation similar to one described in the book.
Use the book as a gateway to discuss the difference between fiction and reality, and explore how creative thinking can be sparked by mythical creatures.
Before reading each monster's story, ask your child to predict the monster’s characteristics based on its name and appearance in the illustrations. Discuss after reading if their predictions were correct.
Suggest your child draw their version of a monster and describe its habits and habitat, fostering both creative expression and comprehension skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Through the exploration of various mythical creatures, the book teaches children about the diversity in the animal kingdom and mythology, encouraging an open mind towards different cultures and their stories.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among people in their own community, understanding that diversity enriches our world.
Example Lesson: Importance of research and curiosity
Explanation: As a practical course, the book instills the value of detailed observation and research, presenting monsterology as a structured study that requires curiosity and diligence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to adopt a methodical approach towards learning and exploring new subjects in school or their hobbies.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Studying monsters, a topic often associated with fear, shows young readers that unfamiliar things need not be feared but can be understood and appreciated through study.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by tackling new challenges and experiences with bravery, whether it’s trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The Monsterology Handbook challenges children to distinguish between myth and reality, enhancing their analytical skills.
Real-World Application: This promotes a critical approach to information in daily life, encouraging questioning and verifying facts before accepting them.