Harry and the Monster
#4 in Harry's Adventures Series
on Goodreads (93)
What’s inside...
A warm and funny story by Sue Mongredien and illustrated by Nick East, Harry and the Monster is the perfect bedtime book to help children with fear or anxiety about night terrors, night-time monsters or things lurking under the bed. One night, a monster stomps into Harry's dreams. The next day, Harry is scared to go to sleep. 'If he comes back, just imagine him with pink pants on his head,' suggests Mum. 'He won't be scary then!' Can Mum's clever plan possibly work? One night, Harry has a dream about a scary monster. The next evening, he doesn't want to go to bed. 'Try imagining him with a pair of pink pants on his head,' Mom suggests. 'You'll laugh so much that it won't be scary.' But no matter what Harry does, the monster keeps coming back! Then, Dad has an idea that just might be silly enough to work.
Character compass
Harry
Mum
The Monster
Discussion points
How do you think Harry felt when he first saw the monster? Can you share a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways Harry tried to get rid of his fears? Do you think these were good ideas?
Why do you think the monster kept coming back in Harry’s dreams? What do you think it means?
How did Harry’s feelings towards the monster change by the end of the book? What made him change his mind?
If you were Harry, would you have done anything differently when dealing with the monster? What and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s theme, relating it to their own experiences with fear or anxiety.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss the importance of facing fears and the different ways to cope with them.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the characters’ actions and motivations.
Discuss the resolution of the story and what your child can learn from Harry’s experience with the monster.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the idea that open communication is valuable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: In 'Harry and the Monster', Harry confronts a scary monster in his dreams, learning to overcome his fears each night.
Real-World Application: Children can use Harry's bravery as a model for facing their own fears, whether it's darkness, insects, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Harry uses different creative strategies to make the monster less scary, showing that sometimes unconventional methods can solve problems.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively when faced with challenges, understanding that there are multiple ways to approach a situation.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite being scared, Harry tries night after night to confront and calm the monster, displaying resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of not giving up despite difficulties, and to keep trying until they overcome their personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Emotional expression
Explanation: Harry openly expresses his fears about the monster, which helps his parents to understand and support him in finding solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to communicate their feelings and fears to trusted adults, helping them to find support and solutions.