Book

I Need My Monster

📖 Overview

A young boy discovers his regular under-bed monster has left for a fishing trip, leaving him without his familiar nighttime companion. When other monsters arrive to fill in, the boy evaluates each potential replacement based on specific monster qualities he requires for sleep. The story unfolds through vibrant illustrations and humorous interactions as various monsters audition for the coveted position under the bed. Each monster brings unique characteristics and abilities, but something is always missing from their performance. The narrative explores the unexpected concept that monsters can be necessary and comforting rather than frightening. This picture book presents a fresh perspective on childhood bedtime routines and the special relationships children form with their fears.

👀 Reviews

Parents and teachers report this book helps children overcome bedtime fears through humor. The monster-under-the-bed concept resonates with kids while making scary things feel less threatening. Readers liked: - Detailed, expressive illustrations that capture both scary and funny moments - Creative twist on traditional monster stories - Helps children face bedtime anxieties - Appeals to both boys and girls ages 4-8 Readers disliked: - Some found the monsters too scary for very young children - A few parents felt it might encourage kids to want monsters under their bed - Price point higher than similar picture books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (3,900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (90+ ratings) "Perfect balance of spooky and silly" - Kindergarten teacher review on Amazon "My 5-year-old requests this nightly" - Parent reviewer on Goodreads "The artwork makes the story" - School librarian on Barnes & Noble

📚 Similar books

Hey, That's MY Monster! by Amanda Noll A boy discovers his sister has stolen his beloved bedtime monster and sets out to find a new one.

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown A rabbit faces his fears when the carrots in his garden begin following him everywhere.

The Dark by Lemony Snicket A child learns to confront the dark in his basement through an unexpected friendship.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems A small monster who fails at scaring others finds his true calling as a friend.

There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer A child confronts the monster in his closet and discovers it shares his own fears.

🤔 Interesting facts

🌟 The book originated from Amanda Noll's own child's comment about missing their monster, sparking the creative story idea. 🌟 Illustrator Howard McWilliam created over 50 unique monster sketches before finalizing the characters' designs. 🌟 The book has won multiple awards, including the Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award and the Georgia Children's Book Award. 🌟 Scientists have found that some children actually use imaginary monsters as a coping mechanism to deal with nighttime fears. 🌟 The success of "I Need My Monster" led to three popular sequels: "Hey, That's MY Monster!", "How I Met My Monster," and "Are You My Monster?"