“The Monster at the End of This Book” Review and Activity

by Haley Bono

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone is a childhood favorite of mine. As a kid, I remember snuggling up with my mom while she read this story in the best “Grover” voice she could muster. This is an interactive story, so Grover is talking directly with the reader. Throughout the story, Grover is scared because there is a monster at the end of the book, and he does everything he can to keep you from turning the page.

Sometimes getting a child excited about reading isn’t what is read but the way a book is read. My mother not only read to me as a child in a variety of different voices, but I remember how, with this book, she pretended the pages were hard to turn. I thought it was so funny as a kid the way she struggled to get a page to turn because Grover, tied or nailed to the next page. And now, because of that experience, I read this story to my own kids and hear them laugh as I pretend I need help because Grover has done everything he can to keep us from turning the page.

Reading to your children is an excellent way to create lasting memories. As a mother, I relish the time spent with my kids sitting on my lap while I read to them aloud. I love pointing to the pictures, making voices, and doing everything I can to help the story really come alive for my little ones, and this is truly a great book for all of that.

The Monster at the End of this Book is a classic children's story originally published in 1971 (oh wow!) and is still popular today. You should be able to find it at most book stores, or on amazon. Because it is an older book, you can also check local thrift stores, or online used bookstores (there are several on eBay), if you want to save a few bucks. There is also an excellent read-aloud youtube video you can watch here.

This activity is very similar to the Don’t Push the Button activity, but there have been some changes made to the template, with the end result being a monster on the back of the page. Read below for the full set of instructions.

It’s always good to ask questions to your kids as you read or do these activities. You could ask them some questions such as: what are some things that scare you? What can we do if we are afraid?

Supplies:

Free templates, (there will be a free download at the end of the post), glue stick, items to color with, pencil/pen to write with (optional).

Directions:

1. Have your child color the template however they would like. One template is designed for younger kids, as the result of “pushing the button” has already been added, and the face of the monster has already been drawn. The template for older kids is unfinished, allowing them to draw what happens each time the button is pushed. They also need to draw a face on their monster.
2. Cut out the monster and glue it to the back of the other sheet. You’ll want to make sure it’s glued on really well, and I recommend completing the next step while the glue is still wet, since it will make folding easier.
3. For the template to work it is important to fold the paper correctly (See picture for additional clarification).
1. Place the paper in front of you. The Yarn Spinning Mama logo should be in the top right corner, facing up. Fold the paper in half hamburger style, with the logo going underneath, and the small circles facing up.
2. Fold the paper in half again bringing the small circle in the bottom right corner facing you.
3. Fold the paper in half again. Now a small circle should be on the right side.
4. Fold the paper in half one last time, keeping the single small circle facing you.
5. You're done!

How To Play:

The first button says “press here to see the monster” you’ll press the button and unfold the paper a little bit each time. Once you make it to the end, unfold the paper all the way, and you’ll find the monster's face on the back of the page. For added fun, you can encourage kids to hold up the monster picture to their faces and “roar” as if they are trying to scare whoever is playing.

Different Variations:

• There is also an unfinished template, as mentioned above. This is designed for older kids It is up to the child to decide what happens when the button is pressed, and they can also draw their monster's face.
• Have your child tell you about their monster, what is his name? Where is he from? What is the monster’s favorite food?