When a Monster Dreams - by Cat Gayle (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Help whisk away your child's fears with this delightful and humorous bedtime story. Oftentimes, fears are just in our heads, and we need a new perspective. In this book, the monster's appearance seems a little scary on the outside. However, with a closer look, we realize the monster is loving and kind. This story aims to calm childhood fears (monsters under the bed, fear of the dark and such) but looking deeper within the story, it can apply to fears in general. The monster can symbolize anything in life causing your little one anxiety. When we talk through fears with our children, we help them realize that in many cases, there is nothing to be frightened of.

Review Quotes

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