The Picture Book Perspective: Go Away, Big Green Monster!

 


Hello, dear readers!

Today, we’re taking on a monstrously fun book: Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley. This interactive story has been helping kids confront their nighttime fears since 1992, one colorful feature at a time. So grab your nightlight and a cozy blanket, and let’s delve into this delightful tale of a not-so-scary monster.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Go Away, Big Green Monster! burst onto the children’s book scene with a unique concept and design. Ed Emberley, a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, crafted this book with die-cut pages that reveal and then gradually hide the monster's features. This clever design not only engages children but also empowers them by giving them control over the monster’s appearance and disappearance.

Published in the early '90s, the book came at a time when children’s literature was increasingly exploring interactive elements. The tactile experience of turning pages to make the monster go away resonated with children and parents alike, providing a hands-on approach to tackling fears.

Social-Emotional Content

At its heart, Go Away, Big Green Monster! is a masterclass in addressing childhood fears. The book takes a common fear—monsters under the bed or in the closet—and gives children a tool to manage it. By allowing kids to command the monster to "go away," it instills a sense of control and bravery.

This simple, repetitive text also reinforces the power of words and imagination. It shows kids that they have the power to confront and dispel their fears, an invaluable lesson that extends beyond bedtime monsters to real-life challenges.

Using the Book for Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers

  1. Interactive Reading: Encourage children to read along and shout “Go away!” as each part of the monster disappears. This active participation can make the experience more empowering and fun.

  2. Art Projects: After reading the book, have kids draw their own version of a big green monster and then create a step-by-step process to make it disappear. This reinforces the concept of controlling their fears through creativity.

  3. Discussing Fears: Use the book as a conversation starter about other things that might scare them. Discuss strategies for dealing with those fears, emphasizing that it’s okay to be scared but also okay to tell those fears to go away.

  4. Role Play: Act out the story with children, taking turns being the monster and the one telling it to go away. This can be a fun way to practice assertiveness in a safe and playful environment.

  5. Story Extensions: Incorporate the book into lessons about colors and facial features. Have children identify and describe the monster’s eyes, nose, mouth, etc., as they appear and disappear.

Humorous Takeaway

So, what can we, as adults, learn from Go Away, Big Green Monster!? Well, next time your inbox is overflowing or your to-do list is scarier than any monster, just remember: you have the power to say “Go away!” to those stressors. If only our responsibilities would vanish as easily as the big green monster!

Keep turning those pages, and never let a monster—green or otherwise—ruin your day.

Until next time, remember:

Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way.

Happy reading, monster tamers!

Adam

To buy your own copy (and support this blog) click here

Do you have a picture book for Adam to review? Email us your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author

Adam Williams is a dedicated elementary school teacher with a passion for literacy and children's literature. Married to Leigha, Adam is a proud father to a son named Tate and a daughter named Emery. He is known for his engaging read-aloud videos on his YouTube channel, "Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way," where he brings picture books to life for his audience. The Picture Book Perspective is published every Sunday. In his blog, he explores the historical and cultural contexts of picture books, delves into their social-emotional content, and offers insights for parents and teachers on how to use these books effectively with children. 

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