How to Catch a Monster: questions to ask and activities to try
A brave young ninja heads into the closet to face the monster that has been scary night after night. But what if the monster isn't scary at all? From the bestselling How to Catch series.
What age is How to Catch a Monster for?
How to Catch a Monster is best for ages 4–7.
How to Catch a Monster (Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- Facing night-time fears
Only 50pHow to Catch a Monster activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Read it before bed with the lights on. Talk about what makes monsters feel scary, and how the hero found out the monster was different from what they imagined.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 4–7 (Reception to Year 2)
- What they'll enjoy
- A brave young ninja heads into the closet to face the monster that has been scary night after night. But what if the monster isn't scary at all? From the bestselling How to Catch series.
- Helps with
- Facing night-time fears
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Night-time fears
- Bravery
- Unexpected friendships
- Imagination
Comprehension and discussion questions for How to Catch a Monster
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where was the monster hiding?”
- “How did the ninja try to catch it?”
- “Was the monster really scary?”
- “How did they become friends?”
- “What makes the dark feel scary?”
- “What helps you feel brave at night?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for How to Catch a Monster
All 6 questions for How to Catch a Monster on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Monster trap
Design a silly monster trap on paper. What bait would a monster like?
Friendly monster
Draw a monster that looks scary, then give it a funny name and a favourite food.
How to Catch a Monster activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to How to Catch a Monster, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about night-time fears.
A 20-minute session for ages 4–7 (Reception to Year 2), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Read it before bed with the lights on. Talk about what makes monsters feel scary, and how the hero found out the monster was different from what they imagined.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “Where was the monster hiding?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Monster trap. Design a silly monster trap on paper. What bait would a monster like? Children who finish early can try Friendly monster.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The How to Catch a Monster activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
How to Catch a Star (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Big dreams, trying again, and finding them in unexpected places
- Age
- 3-7
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark (Jill Tomlinson)
- Best for
- A baby owl who's afraid of the dark
- Age
- 4-8
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.