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!
How cute!! I haven’t heard of this book but now I can’t wait to get my hands on it. What a great way to help kids with their nervous or anxious feelings!
You’ll love it 🙂
This sounds like such a great book with a cute little monster!
Fork painting is so fun! The monster turned out so cute!
Thanks! 🙂
Amanda this is awesome! What a simple craft idea but lovely results every time. Your youngsters quite the artist!
Thanks 🙂 They had fun with this!
This looks like such a cute book and craft. I definitely need to find it at the library!
Love this craft! This is so adoarable!
I have to say….I LOVE this book!!
I’m an Usborne Books & More consultant, and this is one of our big sellers!
Just a tip to add to the conversation–if you get the book through an Usborne consultant or on an Usborne website, you get a lifetime 50% guarantee! (You can replace the book for just 50% of the cost, for life!)
Also, the same author wrote Bob is a Unicorn, also super cute!