Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster Book + Craft

Have you talked with your kids about the what if monster? The one that causes you to worry, be nervous, or have doubts about things? We all have what if monsters. Recently, I attended an Usborne Books party and ordered the most adorable book. It’s called *Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster. I absolutely adore this book and the cute, little green monster! It’s perfect for kids who worry a lot or as a conversation starter for talking with them about worrying and different ways to deal with it.

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Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster Book

This book is great for kids who worry or get anxious about things. It teaches them to challenge the what if’s with their own what ifs. I think it’s a great lesson and the monsters just too cute! I would definitely recommend this book for kids ages 3-8. You can even buy a super cute Whatif Monster Plush to hug and play with.

Whenever Jonathan James finds himself in a new situation, he hears his Whatif Monster asking all kind of questions to stop him trying something new: What if it’s scary? What if they laugh? What if it’s hard?  Finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his own: What if they don’t? What if it isn’t? What then?

The Whatif Monster Craft

Have you heard of fork painting? It’s so neat! All you do is make prints with a fork to create a bigger project such as a cute little green monster.

You’ll need:

• paint
• fork
• small plate or shallow dish
• black and yellow construction paper + background piece (we used cardstock since it’s thicker);
• scissors
• glue
• black marker

This also makes a fun color mixing activity since it’s likely that you won’t have the same color as the monster. Ask them how they can make the green look similar and experiment to see if they are right. We mixed yellow paint with a little bit of blue and white to make the color for our whatif monsters.

Next, press a fork into the paint and then onto the paper making a print. Repeat this forming designs a furry-looking rectangle. Once you’re happy with how it looks, set aside to dry.

While the monsters are drying, cut long strips (about 1-inch wide) of both black and yellow construction paper. Cut these into smaller stips – great for preschoolers who are learning to use a scissors! Also cut or have them cut hands, feet, an oval nose, eyes, eyebrows, and yellow triangles for the ears.

Glue on all the pieces using the book as a guide. We wrote little thought/speech bubbles saying, “What if….?” on the top of ours.

Creative Preschool Monster Theme

• Monster Eyes Counting Game Printable – I Heart Crafty Things
• Spooky Monster Family Portraits – Pink Stripey Socks
• One-Eye Monster Creative Drawing Prompt – Hand Made Kids Art
• Monster Mumble Phonics Game + Free Printable – A Little Pinch of Perfect
• Mix & Match Magnetic Monsters – School Time Snippets

Pop over on November 6th for our Preschool Hibernation Theme!

Amanda

Artsy Momma

Amanda is an ‘artsy momma’ to 2 kids who love making crafts just as much as she does. Follow their creative journey over on the blog titled Artsy Momma. Besides crafts, they share fun food ideas, hands-on learning activities, mommy DIY, + lots more! If you love handprint art, head over to their Fun Handprint Art blog where you will find hundreds of their projects all made with little hands and feet.