#8 in Goosebumps Series
The Girl Who Cried Monster
on Goodreads (8,880)
What’s inside...
Lucy enjoys frightening her little brother with monster stories. Then one day, she visits the library and discovers the librarian has a secret. She's convinced he's a monster. But when she tells her friends and family, they don't believe her.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think Lucy likes to scare her little brother? How would you feel if you were in his place?
What do you think about Mr. Mortman? How did your feelings about him change throughout the story?
Lucy found herself in a scary situation. What would you do if you were in her place?
How do you think the story would have changed if Lucy told her parents about Mr. Mortman earlier?
What is the importance of telling the truth, based on Lucy's experience with the 'monster'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their actions, promoting empathy and understanding. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or different actions by the characters to foster creative thinking. Validate their feelings and thoughts about the story, whether they found it scary, funny, or anything else, to build an open and trusting dialogue. Discuss the difference between imaginary and real fears, tying them to the story and personal experiences to make the conversation relevant and supportive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Truth and Honesty
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of telling the truth, as the main character, Lucy, learns that lying can lead to unforeseen and dire consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value honesty in their daily interactions and understand the impact of their words on others.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Lucy displays courage when facing the monster, highlighting the theme that bravery can manifest when confronting fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing their fears, no matter how big or small, is a part of growing up and developing resilience.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book underlines how actions, such as Lucy's persistent fabrications, can lead to consequences that affect not just oneself but others around them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the outcomes of their actions on their friends and family, promoting a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Lucy's experiences encourage young readers to question the world around them and not take everything at face value.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this skill in school and in social settings, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and understanding of complex situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As Lucy learns more about the monster, she gains a deeper understanding of his situation, demonstrating that everyone has their own story.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to develop empathy towards others, fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach to different perspectives and experiences.