There's a Beast in the Basement!
#2 of 15 in Baby Aliens Series
What’s inside...
Chaos and mayhem reign as Izzy and her friends take on another hilarious (mis)adventure in their school. After overhearing their head teacher talk about a 'missing treasure,' they embark on a quest to find it before their head teacher does. Their journey leads them to the staffroom and then the basement, where they discover not treasure, but a beast with shining eyes. This unexpected revelation turns their school day into an extraordinary and thrilling experience.
Discussion points
What do you think the beast in the basement might represent?
How did the characters' feelings about the beast change throughout the story?
What would you do if you heard strange noises coming from the basement?
How did the characters work together to face their fears?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or a similar experience about hearing an unknown noise and how you felt.
Encourage your child to draw or describe their own imaginary beast, discussing its features and why they think it behaves the way it does.
Use reflective listening to demonstrate empathy and validate your child’s feelings, fears, and thoughts.
Connect the story to your child’s life by discussing any fears they might have and brainstorm together ways to handle them.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, reinforcing their effort in critical thinking and connection making.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts the mysterious 'beast' in the basement, depicting bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face unfamiliar situations or their fears rather than avoiding them.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The 'beast' turns out to be something mundane, showing how imagination can transform perceptions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use and value their imagination in everyday play and problem solving.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity
Explanation: The child’s adventure begins with curiosity about the noises from the basement.
Real-World Application: Promotes explorative behavior and a questioning mindset, which are essential for learning and discovering new things.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The protagonist often interacts with friends to figure out the mystery, highlighting cooperative efforts.
Real-World Application: Teaches the importance of working together with others to achieve common goals or solve problems.
Example Lesson: Distinguishing reality from fantasy
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the child learns to differentiate imaginative fears from real-life situations.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the difference between real and make-believe, aiding in their cognitive development.