SuitabookThe Monkey Mountain monster
Ted Staunton
- Reading
- If the child dislikes social exclusion or monster suspense, read alongside them and pause after the dare to discuss choices. Afterwards, compare the characters’ responses to fear and friendship.
- Themes
- Belonging and friendship: Lindsey is reluctant to attend camp, feels excluded by Mona’s group and is distressed when Caitlin joins it. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Fear, dares and group reaction: A dare leads Lindsey to sleep outside, after which the Ooly Gooly appears and the children respond with chaos and panic. The story presents suspense and lively disorder, but it is unclear whether the dare is questioned, celebrated or given consequences.
- Worth knowing
- Notice the contrast between Mona’s put-downs, Caitlin’s changed allegiance and the children’s panic around the Ooly Gooly. The book’s treatment of these behaviours and the eventual ending are not clear.