Amazing Monsters: Verses to Thrill and Chill
What’s inside...
A collection of more than fifty humorous and chilling poems about such monsters as the Ugstabuggle and the Hipporhinostricow.
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the monsters in the book represent in real life? Can you think of something that initially seems scary but isn't?
Which monster was your favorite and why did you like it?
How did the book make you feel when the characters overcame their fears?
Do you think the stories teach us any lessons about bravery and kindness?
If you could create your own monster, what would it be like and what adventure would it go on?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they think it will be about based on the cover. This sets the stage for active reading.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each monster as they appear in the book. Discuss similarities between the monsters' emotions and real-life situations.
Praise your child for insightful comments or unique ideas during the discussion. Affirmation motivates deeper thinking and engagement.
Link the stories to your child's experiences. For instance, talk about a time your child faced something scary and how they overcame it, relating it to the bravery shown in the book.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing their version of a monster or writing a short story, to reinforce themes and encourage creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Through engaging verses about various monsters, the book teaches children that facing fears can be rewarding and that bravery isn't about the absence of fear but about overcoming it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding when dealing with their own fears, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The imaginative descriptions of monsters encourage children to think creatively and view the world in multiple perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in becoming inventive thinkers, sparking creativity in art projects, problem-solving, and storytelling.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By presenting monsters in a non-threatening way, the book helps kids understand that beings who look or act differently are not necessarily scary, teaching them to be more accepting and empathetic.
Real-World Application: Children can be more accepting of peers who may seem different, whether in their appearance, behavior, or interests.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: The rhythmic and rhyming verses enhance linguistic development, helping children grasp language patterns and vocabulary.
Real-World Application: Improved language skills can foster better communication with others and enhance academic performance, especially in reading and writing.
Example Lesson: Moral Reflection
Explanation: Each monster’s story presents dilemmas and behaviors that prompt readers to think about right and wrong, fostering a sense of morality.
Real-World Application: Children learn to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences, which is pivotal in making ethical decisions in daily life.