HOW I MET MY MONSTER - Kirkus Reviews

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HOW I MET MY MONSTER shop now drop down icon amazon Barnes & Noble BN.com bookshelf Next book HOW I MET MY MONSTER

From the I Need My Monster series

by Amanda Noll ; illustrated by Howard McWilliam ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2019

Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone.

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In a tardy prequel to I Need My Monster (2009), candidates for that coveted spot under the bed audition.

As the distressingly unflappable young narrator looks on, one monster after another gives it a go—but even with three mouths, the best roar Genghis can manage is a puny “blurp!”, silly shadow puppets by shaggy Morgan elicit only a sneeze, and red Abigail’s attempt to startle by hiding in the fridge merely leaves her shivering and pathetic. Fortunately, there’s Gabe, who knows just how to turn big and hairy while lurking outside the bathroom and whose red-eyed stare and gross drooling sends the lad scrambling into bed to save his toes. “Kid, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” the toothy terror growls. Right he is, the lad concludes, snuggling down beneath the covers: “His snorts and ooze were perfect.” As usual, the white-presenting child’s big, bright, smiling face and the assortment of bumbling monsters rendered in oversaturated hues keep any actual scariness at tentacle’s length. Moreover, Monster, Inc. fans will delight in McWilliam’s painstaking details of fang, claw, hair, and scales.

Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone. (Picture book. 5-8)
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Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-947277-09-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Flashlight Press

Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019

Categories:

CHILDREN'S PARANORMAL & SUPERNATURAL

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More In The Series

  • D IS FOR DROOL
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  • HEY, THAT'S MY MONSTER!
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FOREST FRIGHTS shop now drop down icon amazon bookshelf Next book FOREST FRIGHTS

From the Scare School Diaries series , Vol. 2

by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 5, 2024

A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.

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Bash is back for another session of Scare School.

This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.

A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)
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Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024

ISBN: 9781665922128

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Aladdin

Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S PARANORMAL & SUPERNATURAL

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POULTRYGEIST shop now drop down icon amazon Barnes & Noble BN.com bookshelf Next book POULTRYGEIST

by Eric Geron ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 17, 2021

Kid-friendly dark humor.

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The chicken crosses the road…and arrives on the other side as a ghost.

The action kicks off before the title page when the chicken crossing the road winds up a splatter of feathers against the grille of a tractor trailer. When its ghost rises from the squished remains, it meets a host of other animal ghosts that encourage the new poultrygeist to start getting scary. They probably didn’t realize, however, that they’d be the ones to be frightened. Geron’s text is full of punny lines like “It’s time to get foul, fowl!” and “Ghosts of a feather haunt together!” Midway through, the poultrygeist turns to readers to make sure they’re not too scared. This is a nice touch, maintaining engagement while also giving more timid readers time to take a beat. Oswald’s illustrations display masterful use of color, with bright, ghostly animals against a dark, often all-black background, the dialogue shown in colors that correspond to the speakers. These ghosts do become scary but not enough to completely terrorize readers. Oswald’s skill is seen in full effect, as readers witness only the animal ghosts’ reactions to the poultrygeist’s scariest face, building suspense for the full reveal. This book is just right for kids easing into the slightly scary and macabre but who still want a safe and fun read.

Kid-friendly dark humor. (Picture book. 5-8)
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Pub Date: Aug. 17, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-5362-1050-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S PARANORMAL & SUPERNATURAL

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