The Monster at the End of This Book



Last updated Monday, August 9, 2021

Author: Jon Stone
Illustrator: Michael Smollin
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0307010856
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2020

Synopsis: By all accounts, this book is a favorite among children and adults alike. Generations will recall their first time reading along as lovable, furry old Grover begs the reader not to turn the page . . . for a monster is at the end of the book! But, of course, the monster is none other than Grover himself.

Note to readers:
•  This is a cute but short book.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think the monster is doing at the end of the book?
•  Why is the monster there?
•  Why do you think Grover is on the cover of the book?

Vocabulary

•  Scared - to become frightened
•  Understand – to get the meaning of, the importance of
•  Brick – a hard block of dried or baked clay used as building material

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Are you scared because there is a monster at the end of the book?
•  What do you do when you feel scared?
•  What do you think is going to happen next (if we turn the page)?
•  What do you think the monster looks like?
•  How does a monster usually act?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of Grover
•  Make a puppet of a monster using a brown paper bag (if available)
•  We can draw a monster using the white board on Zoom
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2020-halloween-magic-and-monsters/

Special activities:
•  The kids can say what they like about themselves
•  We can play a clip of Grover on Sesame Street from YouTube, such as at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gms-Yk7mzv4

*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!