There's a Dragon in My Sleeping Bag
There'S A Monster In My Closet Series
What’s inside...
In 'There's a Dragon in My Sleeping Bag,' a children's book by James Howe, young Alexander is surprised to find a dragon named Spike in his sleeping bag. Spike, who is the brother of the dragon his cousin Emily brought home earlier, is playful, mischievous, and full of surprises. Throughout the story, Alexander and Spike form a unique friendship, engaging in various adventures and learning from each other. The book is filled with humor and heartwarming moments, showcasing the importance of friendship and the joy of embracing the unexpected. It is a delightful tale for young readers that encourages imagination and the acceptance of new and unusual friends. This wry tale of two brothers who amiably try to outdo each other by creating jumbo-size imaginary friends makes a great read-aloud and is a follow-up to There’s a Monster Under My Bed.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you found a dragon in your sleeping bag? What would you do first?
What do you think are some differences between having a dragon and having a pet like a dog or a cat?
Why do you think the dragon came to stay with Simon? What does it tell us about friendship?
How do the characters in the story react to the dragon? Would you react the same way or differently?
If you could give the dragon a name, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Enhance empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Simon’s shoes. Discuss different feelings and actions they might experience or take if they were in the same situation.
Foster creativity by encouraging your child to come up with their own imaginative creature and describe how they would interact with it.
Promote critical thinking by discussing the reactions of other characters to the dragon and asking your child how they would handle similar situations differently.
Build connection by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might understand.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Acceptance
Explanation: The story highlights the friendship that develops between a boy and a dragon, showcasing how differences can be embraced rather than feared.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be open and accepting of peers who may seem different from them, fostering inclusivity from a young age.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The dragon’s presence in an ordinary setting like a sleeping bag encourages imaginative thinking and creativity among young readers.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination in everyday situations, enhancing their creative problem-solving skills and making them more adaptable.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The book depicts the characters navigating minor conflicts, which helps illustrate effective communication and compromise.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in their interactions with peers, learning to resolve disputes amicably and constructively.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of a dragon becomes a responsibility that teaches the boy about accountability and nurturing.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to taking care of their belongings, tasks, or even pets, developing a sense of responsibility early in life.
Example Lesson: Coping with Fear
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes initial fears upon discovering the dragon, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to confront their fears and uncertainties, helping them grow more confident and self-reliant.