Go Away, Big Green Monster! summary

Confronting Fear Through Imagination

In Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley, we embark on a journey with a young child who confronts their fear of a big, scary monster. The child, using their imagination and a series of die-cut pages, brings the monster to life piece by piece. Each page adds a new monstrous feature, such as big yellow eyes, a long bluish-greenish nose, and a big red mouth with sharp white teeth. As the monster takes shape, the child bravely tells it to 'go away' after each addition, asserting their control over the creation.

Emberley's brilliant use of the die-cut pages allows the monster to be built up and then dismantled at the child's command. This technique empowers the child, showing them that they can control their fears and make them disappear. It's an effective way of demonstrating that fear is something we can face and conquer, rather than something that controls us.

Empowerment and Self-Assertion

Throughout Go Away, Big Green Monster!, the child continues to assert their power over the monster, telling each part to 'go away' until the monster is entirely gone. This process helps the child understand that they have control over their fears, and they can make them vanish simply by asserting themselves. It's a powerful lesson in self-assertion and empowerment for young readers.

As the monster disappears, so does the child's fear. The story ends with the child confidently proclaiming, 'and don't come back, until I say so!' This final statement reinforces the child's newfound sense of control and autonomy over their fears, making it clear that the monster, and by extension, their fear, can only return if they allow it.

Teaching Emotional Regulation

Emberley's book also subtly teaches children about emotional regulation. By using the die-cut pages to build and banish the monster, the child learns that they can manage their emotions and fears. They see that it's okay to feel scared, but they can also take steps to address and overcome their fears.

In conclusion, Go Away, Big Green Monster! is a delightful and empowering story for young children. It uses a creative approach to help them confront their fears, assert control over their emotions, and learn about self-empowerment. The book's interactive nature and colorful illustrations make it an engaging tool for parents and educators to help children understand and manage their fears.