What Parents Are Saying
Parents Review Children’s Book: When a Monster Dreams
‘A friend shared with me that a relative of hers had written a book (When a Monster Dreams). Because I am a psychologist who deals with children and families, I asked to read it. The author’s original intent was to decrease/eliminate the anxiety that children might have regarding things that go bump in the night or live under their beds or closets. And that is a very good thing. However, as the author also stated, this story can be interpreted to apply to several other situations.
I can readily see that it might be used to open conversations such as: 1) Putting ourselves in others’ shoes, 2) Realizing that our interpretations of others’ actions or words may not be accurate and we need to obtain more information before we respond, and 3) accepting others’ differences. I’m sure that, as those conversations take place, other issues will come up that would help us prepare our children to be emotionally healthy and have a joyful life. I would highly recommend this book to all who work with or raise children.’
Donna Y. Rait, Ph.D
“When a Monster Dreams magically captures the important lesson for kids that common bedtime fears are truly nothing to fear! Children will take comfort in the delightful illustrations that make monsters appear silly, friendly, and fun to play with! The monsters can easily represent more than just bedtime fears and symbolize anything in life causing little ones to be anxious. When a Monster Dreams is a must add for your home or school library collection.”
Perry Yates, The Lovett School, Lower School Librarian
“This book makes me feel FEARLESS! It gives me courage on my first day of school.”
Hunter Whitis, 7 years old, Second Grade
“Parents often say don’t be scared of monsters, they’re not real. However, they and many other fears feel very real when you’re experiencing them! This lovable monster is really “just like you” and we need not be afraid now that we know them. Fears change with age, but when they persist they can cause anxiety and take a toll on our health. This book helps give kids the confidence they require to face their fears and teach them ‘it’s going to be okay.’”
Kristin Bayless, Pediatric Physician Assistant, mother of four
“As a preschool teacher and mother, I often hear children express that they are afraid of monsters or can’t sleep because a monster is under their bed. This presented the perfect opportunity for me to share When a Monster Dreams with my children. They so enjoyed hearing about all the things the monster liked doing; especially baking and going to the Zoo. They decided that he wasn’t all that scary after all and he was just as joyful and happy as them! This bedtime story will be sure to capture your little ones at bedtime. Make sure to point out the wonderful rhyming tune along with it!”
Alison Roby, Teacher of 18 years, mother of three
“This is a wonderful and uplifting story about a Monster who is just like other children. The Monster is not scary at all and does not want to be! He plays and flies kites and has a Mommy who hugs him. The story is told in language that even young children can understand and the rhymes are punchy and easy to follow. I love the illustrations which compliment the story in a terrific way. Since the colors are bright and happy, they contribute to the storyline of « Monsters are not Scary ». I have never come upon a book about this topic and am happy to have it in my grandchildren’s’ library.”
Lisa Bondurant, Mother of four, Grandmother of two
“Cat Gayle strikes just the right cord with her fabulous story written from a bedtime monster’s point of view. This beautifully illustrated tale not only quells the fear that sometimes comes along with bedtime, she manages to teach a larger lesson. We all need to think twice about what scares us, as sometimes if we change our perspective, there’s actually no reason to be scared at all. This is a big lesson in life, which is empowering for our kids to learn at a young age, and Gayle’s story hits right at the heart of this important life lesson. What a brilliant book, a must have for all our kid’s libraries. A true classic with an important message for us all!”
Mary Ann Groton, Artist, Mother of two
Parents and Reading to Their Children (FAQs)
Why is it important to read to your child everyday?
Reading daily to young children, starting in infancy, can help with language acquisition, communication skills, social skills, and literacy skills.
What are the benefits of reading to kids?
Improves their cognitive development, increases vocabulary, boosts memory, enhances memory, and it can strengthen your bond.
How often should you try to read to a child a day?
Reading to children often (if possible, at least once a day) is a great goal. Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and bedtime) helps kids learn to sit with a book and relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.
How does reading to children help them develop socially?
By reading a book, a child learns about people, places, and events that they couldn't learn otherwise. This gives children a deeper understanding of the world around them and cultures that are different from their own.