I Need My Monster
Amanda Noll, Author
Howard McWilliam, Illustrator
Flash Light Press, Fiction, April 2009
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Monsters, Night frights, Imagination, Friendship, Humor
Opening: “Tonight, when I looked under the bed for my monster, I found this note instead. Gone fishing. Back in a week – Gabe. What was I going to do? I needed a monster under by bed. How was I supposed to get to sleep if my monster was gone?” How will Ethan ever get to sleep without Gabe’s familiar noises, ragged breathing and his spooky green ooze? Ethan decides that he’s just going to have to find a replacement monster. He climbs out of bed and taps on the floor and hops back under the covers waiting in fear. Monsters begin to appear, but Herbert doesn’t have claws…Ralph wears nail polish on his claws…Cynthia is a girl…and Mack has a long, sloppy tongue. Ethan fires them all. How is Ethan ever going to get to sleep without his monster Gabe?
Why I like this book: Amanda Noll has written a humorous and original book for children about a boy missing the monster lurking beneath his bed at night. I love the power of Ethan’s imagination! What a great way to help kids turn their fears into laughter. This book is an entertaining read for both children and adults — one that will elicit growls and slurps as each character is acted out. It will certainly become a bedtime favorite begging to be read repeatedly. Howard McWilliam’s illustrations are bold and eye-popping. The illustrations are drawn by pencil on paper, and is painted with digital acrylic paint. The book is very large and adds to the appeal for kids. You may visit Amanda Noll on her website. I Need My Monster has won countless awards.
As of Dec. 9, 2012, I Need My Monster has become available as an interactive Children’s Book App.
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