I Need My Monster

by Amanda Noll

Book Overview

A unique monster-under-the-bed story with the perfect balance of giggles and shivers, this picture book relies on the power of humor over fear, appeals to a child's love for creatures both alarming and absurd, and glorifies the scope of a child's imagination. One night, when Ethan checks under his bed for his monster, Gabe, he finds a note from him instead: "Gone fishing. Back in a week." Ethan knows that without Gabe's familiar nightly scares...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979974623
• ISBN13: 9780979974625
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Flashlight Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.5" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

My 2 year old loves this one

Sooo cute, i like the artwork and making monster sort of non scary-maybe more of a "boy" book since its from a boys perspective.

At first I was nervous...

At first I thought this book might instill bedtime fears. My little guy has never complained of being in the dark or been afraid of monsters, and admittedly, I was nervous to read this book to him. I couldn't have been more wrong. He LOVES this book. He anticipates the different personalities of the monsters and their different quirks. His favorite part is when one of the monsters, Mack, with the big fat tongue hanging out, threatens to lick Ethan, the main character. Toooo funny! I would highly recommend this book for kids 4-7 who enjoy a delightful scare and have a goofy sense of humor.

I need more kids books like this!

A lot of what I have to say is the same as everyone else, but I feel so strongly about it that I have to repeat it. This story is based on such a well-known childhood myth, but is at the same time so creative, that I am amazed everytime we read it at our house. Additionally, as mentioned by others, the illustrations are beautiful, Disney-Pixar-esque. I really believe that I like this story more than my boys right now! Our sons are 4 and 2 and even though my little one will sit still for any story, it is definitely a little old for him. My 4 year old is just starting to get interested after a few weeks of reading it. So, 4 years and up is probably ideal for this book. I keep them interested by using different voices for the different monsters and really exaggerate when I am reading the boy Ethan's parts. This book is truly joyful, and my intent when I bought it was to eliminate the possibility that my worry-wart of a 4 year old would decide to be scared of monsters (he tends to get ahold of an idea and not let go and deciding to be scared of monsters under the bed seemed right up his alley.) Now that we have this story and he giggles about it, I know he will not develop that particular fear. I am so glad we bought this book. Buy it for yourself as well as your kids, it's always nice to enjoy what you are reading to them!

Monsters Makes Great Sleep Time Pals!

I Need My Monster is one of the best children's books this reviewer has read recently. For some reason kids are convinced they have monsters in their room, usually under their bed, that appear around bed time. Ethan is a little boy who instead of being scared of his monster, needs him to fall asleep. Gabe, Ethan's monster, decides to take a fishing trip. Once Ethan finds this note he tries to find a suitable substitute for Gabe but no other monster has claws or a tail quite as scary as his. Gabe soon returns after he decides fishing isn't really his sport. Ethan and Gabe are made for each other. McWilliam does an excellent job with the illustrations. They're bright and playful, and capture the true essence of monsters. Noll also does an excellent job of portraying that monsters aren't really that scary after all, and they shouldn't be feared by young children. This is the perfect bed time story that your child will want to read night after night. Reviewed by Jennifer LeBrun

My Boys LOVE This Book!!

This is a great story for those who struggle to find stories to keep their little ones(in my case boys) entertained all the way to the end of the book. They say the best childrens books are the ones that keep both the parent and the child entertained, this book surely does that. The text and illlustrations work so well together to peak the imaginations of my boys. No need to worry about this book being too scary the author has made this a great story of an unusual friendship.

Way to Go!

This book is a great addition to children's literature. I read it with my kids and they loved it! We all have "monsters" in our lives that keep us a little terrified. Ironically, the little boy in this story depends on his monster to help him fall asleep. It is a sweet story about friendship and trust.