Frances and the Monster
#1 in Frances and the Monsters series
on Goodreads (185)
What’s inside...
Frances Stenzel, a precocious young girl, accidentally brings her great-grandfather's monstrous invention to life and unleashes it on her town. Determined to prove her worth as a scientist, she embarks on a dangerous quest to capture the creature, accompanied by her pet chimp and sarcastic robot tutor. As they face a persistent constable, angry locals, and an unexpected friendship, time is running out to save her science career and the city. Full of thrills and heartfelt moments, 'Frances and the Monster' offers readers an adventurous journey with twists and powerful friendships.
Character compass
Frances
The Monster
Discussion points
How do you think Frances felt when she first saw the monster, and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you found a monster in your room? How would you react?
Why do you think the monster behaved the way it did? What do you think it wanted?
What does this story teach us about fear and friendship?
Can you think of a time when you were scared of something but later realized it wasn’t so scary?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ emotions, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Discuss personal experiences related to overcoming fears to help your child relate more deeply to Frances’ journey.
Highlight the turning points in the story to discuss change in perceptions, facilitating a conversation on how understanding can lead to friendship.
Use expressive reading to make the monster’s encounters more engaging, enhancing your child’s interest in the storyline and themes.
Ask your child to draw what they think the monster looks like or to describe the monster using their imagination, fostering creativity and deeper connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'Frances and the Monster', Frances confronts a monster that initially frightens her. Through courage and determination, she overcomes her fear to realize the monster is not as scary as she thought.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing their fears, whether trying a new activity or standing up for themselves, can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Frances interacts with the monster, she learns about its feelings and fears, which teaches her to see things from another perspective.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints in real-life situations, fostering empathy and better social interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Frances uses her wits and resources available to her to deal with the monster, showing clever problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using creativity and critical thinking to resolve conflicts and overcome challenges in school or play.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The resolution of the story hinges on Frances communicating effectively with the monster, highlighting the power of clear communication.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of talking through problems and expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly to others.