Crankenstein is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Crankenstein" by Samantha Berger and illustrated by Dan Santat is a humorous and relatable picture book that explores the ups and downs of having a cranky mood. The story follows a young boy who transforms into a Crankenstein whenever things don't go his way. From spilt milk to missing socks, Crankenstein's grumpy behavior is triggered by various everyday frustrations. The book humorously depicts Crankenstein's monstrous transformation and the havoc he wreaks. However, amidst the chaos, Crankenstein finds comfort and a sense of calm when he meets another creature just like him. Together, they learn that it's okay to have cranky moments and that sometimes a little understanding and a kind gesture can turn a frown upside down. With its lively illustrations and relatable storyline, "Crankenstein" offers a playful and lighthearted approach to handling grumpy moods and finding positivity in unexpected places.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Complete a mini lesson on synonyms.
- Teach a lesson on irregular verbs.
- Use examples from the book to teach a lesson on punctuation.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Trick or Treat, Crankenstein by Dan Santat
- How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
- I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
- My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown
- Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
