Doppol - Smart Book Recommendations

How to Catch a Monster: A Halloween Picture Book for Kids About Conquering Fears!

3.82
on Goodreads (1,018)

What’s inside...

In this delightfully spooky Halloween picture book, 'How to Catch a Monster: A Halloween Picture Book for Kids About Conquering Fears!', author Adam Wallace takes young readers on a thrilling adventure to help them overcome their fears. With the help of a brave little monster, readers learn how to face their fears, be brave, and catch their own monsters. The story is sure to delight both children and parents with its fun, engaging illustrations and important message about facing one's fears. A perfect read for Halloween or any time of year when kids need a little courage boost.
In series
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity

Character compass

Discussion points

What would you do if you met a monster like in the book? How would you feel?
Why do you think the monster was hiding? What do you think it needed?
How did the characters' feelings about the monster change throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you were scared of something but it turned out to be okay?
What does being brave mean to you? Can you share a story when you felt brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by affirming your child’s feelings about what scares them, validating that it's okay to feel scared. As you explore the book’s themes together, connect the characters' experiences to your child's own life. Share personal stories of overcoming fear to make the discussion relatable. Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios and solutions, boosting their problem-solving and empathy skills. Lastly, emphasize the importance of facing fears and the growth resulting from those experiences.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Facing Fears
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the protagonist overcomes their fear of monsters by attempting to catch one, showing courage and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their fears, whether it's the dark, starting school, or meeting new people, fostering resilience and confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child uses different strategies to trap the monster, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively when faced with challenges and to understand that problems can often be solved in multiple ways.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In trying to catch the monster, the child realizes that the monster is also scared, which teaches empathy and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the perspective of others, nurturing empathy and social skills in real-world interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The repeated attempts to catch the monster, despite failures, reinforce the value of perseverance and not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in school tasks, sports, or personal hobbies.