il y a un alligator sous mon lit
There's a Nightmare in My Closet Series
What’s inside...
In 'There's an Alligator under My Bed' by Mercer Mayer, a young boy is convinced that an alligator is lurking under his bed. Despite his parents not believing him, he bravely devises a plan to lure the alligator out with a trail of bait leading from his bedroom to the garage. His plan works, and he successfully gets the alligator out of his room. The story ends with the boy feeling triumphant and no longer afraid, as he has taken control of the situation and solved the problem on his own. The sequel, 'There's a Nightmare In My Closet,' features the same imaginative young hero in an even funnier nighttime adventure, complete with full-color illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Boy
Alligator
Discussion points
Why do you think the boy thought there was an alligator under his bed?
What are some ways the boy tried to solve his problem? How would you solve it?
How did the boy feel when he was dealing with the alligator? Have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think happened to the alligator at the end of the story?
Why is it important to face our fears, like the boy did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to any fears they might have.
Ask your child to draw their own imaginary creature that might live under their bed and discuss creative ways to overcome their fear.
Create a comfortable reading environment where your child feels safe to share their fears, just like the boy in the book.
After reading, engage in a role-play where your child can act out different solutions to overcoming fears, inspired by the boy’s actions in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist creatively handles the fear of an alligator under his bed by bravely setting a trap to capture it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, be it darkness, new environments, or meeting new people, by using creativity and bravery.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The young boy plans and executes a series of steps to deal with the alligator, demonstrating critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that they can think through problems logically and step by step, whether in their studies, playground issues, or chores.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: The boy in the story takes initiative to solve his problem without immediate adult intervention, showing self-reliance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to attempt solving their own problems and take on responsibilities, fostering a sense of independence.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem resolution
Explanation: By using bait to lure the alligator out from under the bed, the protagonist applies a unique and creative solution.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that sometimes unconventional and creative solutions are effective in resolving difficulties or challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the scary thought of an alligator under his bed, the boy does not give up until he ensures the alligator is gone.
Real-World Application: Instills in children the value of perseverance in overcoming fears or obstacles, reinforcing the idea that persistence can lead to success.