The Monster
Troubletwisters Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Although it may be scary, playing with your own special 'monster' can also be fun.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the monster might be feeling when it first meets the other characters?
How did the characters' feelings towards the monster change throughout the story?
What would you do if you met a monster like the one in the book?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood like the monster?
How does the story show us the importance of friendship and understanding?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more immersive and fun for your child.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their analytical thinking skills.
Encourage your child to draw their version of the monster or other story elements, which can lead to a deeper connection with the story’s themes.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences or feelings to help them connect more deeply with the characters.
End your reading session by asking your child what lesson they think the story was teaching, fostering a habit of reflective thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story portrays a friendship between a child and a monster, showing how differences can enrich relationships rather than hinder them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate the differences in their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist's interaction with the monster, initially feared, teaches the value of confronting and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or facing difficult situations, promoting resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book delves into understanding the monster's feelings and perspective, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The playful and creative scenarios in the book illustrate the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play, storytelling, or problem-solving, boosting their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights the joys and mutual benefits of friendship through the characters' interactions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children in building and maintaining meaningful friendships, improving their social skills and emotional health.