What's Under the Bed
What’s inside...
Fred doesn't want to go to sleep because he is worried about what might be hiding underneath his bed. With questions about the possible size and shape of the mysterious creature, the story unfolds with minimal text and lively, bold illustrations. Ultimately, Fred discovers that the only thing under his bed is as harmless as Ted, his stuffed bear.
Age
3-8
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Fred
Discussion points
What do you think is under the bed? Why?
How do you feel when you think about the dark? Can you describe it?
What are some ways you can make the dark less scary?
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did?
If you were in the story, what would you do differently when you heard a noise at night?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own experiences of being afraid of the dark as a child.
Encourage your child to use their imagination to think of creative things that could be under the bed, turning fear into fun.
Acknowledge your child’s feelings and fears, reassuring them that it’s okay to be scared sometimes.
Use a calm and soothing voice to create a comfortable atmosphere for discussing potentially scary topics.
After reading, consider checking under the bed together for a playful approach to addressing fears.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear
Explanation: In 'What's Under the Bed', the protagonist confronts his fear of the unknown by bravely looking under his bed to discover what’s there.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or facing the dark, by understanding that often fear stems from the unknown.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book celebrates curiosity as the young character explores his curiosity about the mysterious sounds coming from under his bed.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and ask questions about their surroundings, fostering a love for discovery and learning.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, the child imagines various scenarios of what could be under the bed, highlighting the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination to create stories and scenarios, enhancing creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The character devises a plan to confront his fears by investigating the sounds, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think critically and develop solutions to overcome challenges they might face in daily life.