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Everything I Know About Monsters



Last updated Sunday, February 26, 2012

Author: Tom Lichtenheld
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 068984381X
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2011

Synopsis: From Publishers Weekly
The Many-Mouthed Midnight Muncher and the Big Butted Bug Eyed Terrible Tongue Twister are among the horrible creatures pictured and explained in Everything I Know About Monsters by Tom Lichtenheld. Illustrated in campy cartoon style, the sequel to Everything I Know About Pirates contains a tongue-in-cheek Monster Avoidance Chart, a monster brain analysis and the truth about Big Foot (he s a Boy Scout gone bad).

Note to readers:
•  As you begin to read this book it is important to point out what the author states on the first page of the book, in no uncertain terms, that there really are no such things as monsters…. “No monsters, ever, nowhere, no how”, he also makes it clear that “monsters DO exist in our imaginations.”

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Are you scared of monsters? Are you scared of anything?
•  How are monsters like bullies?
•  What movies have you seen with monsters in them? What were the monsters like?
•  Do you believe in magic and monsters?

Vocabulary:
•  Radioactive-an object that releases dangerous particles/atoms into its environment
•  Petty-mean, rude
•  Bickering-fighting, arguing
•  Context-the set of facts, all the action surrounding one particular action
•  Voracious-eats or wants a lot of food; eager
•  Mangler-ruiner, destroyer

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kinds of monsters are your favorite? What kinds are you scared of?
•  Do you think monsters are like what the author described them to be like?
•  What do you think the author meant when he said that people can be monsters too?
•  Do you think that you could ever be friends with a monster? Why or why not?
•  What would your monster’s name be?

Craft ideas:
•  Cut out different shapes out of different colors of construction paper. Use them to make fun monsters!
•  Create an object to help you get rid of some of the monsters in your house! (Example: a trap made of paper and sticks, a net)

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!