This post is the second in a new series exploring leadership lessons tucked inside childhood classics. If you missed the first—on elephants, sneezes, and innovation—you can find it here.

A Puppet, a Page, and a Pause

One of my most vivid memories from childhood is my dad reading The Monster at the End of This Book. But he didn’t just read it. He performed it. Grover wasn’t just a character. With a blue puppet in hand and a gravely voice, my dad turned each page into theater.

Each night, Grover begged me not to turn the page. He built walls. He tied knots. He panicked. And, of course, I turned the page anyway. I had to see what was coming.

Spoiler: The “monster” at the end of the book… was Grover himself.

He feared what he didn’t understand. He made assumptions. He underestimated both me and himself.

Sound familiar? (Certainly does to me!)

When Leaders Pull a Grover

In leadership, we sometimes panic about what’s ahead. We put up barriers. We try to control the pace of change. We yell, “Don’t turn the page yet!” believing we’re protecting others. But real empathy doesn’t mean controlling the narrative. It means walking with people through it.

Empathetic leadership says:

• I won’t rush you.
• I won’t minimize your fear.
• I will sit beside you and turn the page when you’re ready.

What If We All Just Turned the Page?

Whether we’re implementing new technologies, navigating tough decisions, or supporting someone through a tough transition, there’s always a Grover in the room, scared of the unknown, convinced the end of the book holds doom.

And maybe we are Grover sometimes.

But what if we just… turned the page anyway?

With empathy.
With curiosity.
And with someone beside us.

Like my dad. It wasn’t just the puppet or the funny voice. It was that my dad fully entered my world. He didn’t try to fix Grover. He didn’t roll his eyes or fast-forward to the end. He honored the moment, and me, page by page.

Let’s Keep Reading Together

This series is reminding me how much childhood stories still shape my adult lens. If a children’s book has ever changed your perspective on leadership or learning, I’d love to hear about it.

Drop your favorite title in the comments and let’s turn some pages together.

P.S. It was only a few years ago that my Grover puppet finally met his demise.