Funny kids bedtime books to tame a child's fear of monsters

Hello my friends of the Omschool. Did you know, teacher Omi wasn't always an adult? I was a little kid who was often scared of the dark and of the monsters which I was sure inhabited it. But I learned, from my emotional support books how to conquer some of those fears. Books provide what we call bibliotherapy. By reading certain books and stories we find help for mental health issues, such as fear. Kids books offer bibliotherapy by showing children in similar situations safely resolving struggles. And when they use humor, all the better. If your child fears monsters, likely its worse at night. Here are funny kids bedtime books on taming fear of monsters. 

Harry and the Terrible Whatzit (Dick Gackenbach) We kids believe that the basement is a place where awful things live. My grandma used to tell me to fetch a can of peaches for her while she counted. As if THAT was going to help! I'd run so fast I tripped up the stairs. So I really feel for Harry, when he worries that his mother has been taken or worse by a terrible whatzit in the basement. Our brave hero goes looking for her and finds that you can't judge a monster by its two heads. Absolutely hilarious denouement! 

There's a Nightmare in my Closet (Mercer Mayer) Who hasn't been afraid of the thing in the closet and been told "there's nothing there"? My grandfather humored me and closed the door but even then, I knew as did the kid in this book that I was right, there's something inside! But good news for us when IT turns out to be more afraid of us than we are of him.  I absolutely love the annoyed look on the kid hero's face as he comforts the crybaby creep! Here are some free printable lesson plans on Nightmare in the Closet. 

There's Something in the Attic (Mercer Mayer) Along with the dreaded basement, the attic is another scary place where frights of all kinds lurk. In another case of  mistaken monster identity, it appears there IS something in the attic as we've suspected but he identifies as the fearful rather than the feared. And it takes a brave cowgirl to calm him. 

There's a Monster Under my Bed (James Howe) Monsters have a lot of hiding places and under a kid's bed is their favorite. My preferred monster-prevention method was to cram so much under the bed that a monster wouldn't fit. But Simon can't so he must face the under-bed-dwellers, man to monster. You'll love the outcome. 

Little Monster series. Mercer Mayer really knows his monsters and there could not possibly be a cuter monster than Little Monster unless it's his (sometimes annoying) little sister. Kids can address monster fears by seeing that he's just one of the gang. And Little Monster has to do some bully-busting of his own with big Yally who also turns out to be not as brave as he presents. 

Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak) What is is with monsters not living up to their reputations? In this classic story, Max not only tames but rules the whiny baby wild things! Because really kids are the most wonderfully wild things of all. 

Go Away, Big Green Monster! (Ed Emberley) The monster in this interactive book is real and really scary UNTIL a child takes him down to size. My youngest daughter loved dismantling Big Green Monster and telling him not to come back unless SHE said so. 

Read these books to your kids before bed or in the classroom at school. Allow for lots of discussion. And see my other articles for more bibliotherapy on bullies, conflict resolution and more. 

Free Printable Little Critter Coloring Pages, Mercer Mayer Activites

Mercer Mayer is one of the world's most beloved children's' book author and illustrator. He is probably best known for his children's book series about a lovable furry character named Little Critter. This adorable little “monster” gets into all the usual childhood mishaps with his mother, father and little sister. Little Critter learns about sharing, being afraid, having patience and have fun with his friends and family.

Little Critter books are excellent resources to help children understand and cope with life's many little issues. Children can laugh at their own foibles seen in his antics. Mercer Mayer has also written a series about Little Monster. If you like these characters you want these free printable  Little Critter activities.

Start by printing the free printable Little Critter coloring pages that the author has kindly provided on his website. There are lots of fun pictures from the books for you to color. Little Critter is always surrounded by lots of animal friends, like cute spiders, friendly snakes, cuddly kittens, sweet puppies, cheerful bugs and other...well... little critters!

Next get a whole booklet of free printable Little Critter activity pages, games and puzzles. Then you have to scoop up the free printable Little Monster coloring pages and games. Preschool kids will love the activities and coloring pages for car rides, rainy days and sick days. Babysitters, bring a supply of coloring pages with you when you babysit. Kids will love you. Check out the entire collection of Little Critter learning activities.

DL-TK has free printable Little Critter paper dolls. Scroll down for several outfits to print in black and white (and use as coloring pages) or in color if you prefer. Children will enjoy listening to the stories and then making their paper doll. Kids can retell the story using their paper doll to help. This craft is perfect for preschool, day care, summer reading programs, library story hour and day camp.

Little Critter and Little Monster have been loved by children since Mercer Mayer created them in 1975. I love the books but my favorite of his books will always be "There's a Nightmare in My Closet"and "There's an Alligator Under My Bed" and "There is Something In My Attic." Being an easily frightened child, I could relate to the no-nonsense coping skills used by the intrepid children in these whimsical stories. My children have always loved these books