About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is approaching a birthday or a playdate and is struggling with the 'mine' phase of development. It is the perfect tool for helping a little one understand that while new possessions are exciting, they are often secondary to the joy of shared experiences. In this story, Billy the monster learns the hard way that a room full of toys is lonely when you are the only one playing with them. Pat Hutchins uses a humorous, monster-themed setting to mirror the very real big emotions of a preschooler. As Billy transitions from a defensive host to an active participant in group games, children see a positive model for social interaction. It is a gentle, playful reminder for ages 3 to 6 that the best part of a party isn't the presents: it's the friends who come to play.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and realistic in its portrayal of childhood social dynamics, despite the characters being monsters. There are no sensitive topics like death or trauma: the focus is purely on social-emotional development and the concept of sharing.
