I Need My Monster

Title: I Need My Monster
Author: Amanda Noll
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Copyright: 2009 by Amanda Noll
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture Book

Summary:
Ethan goes to bed one night only to discover that his monster Gabe, is not there! Ethan didn’t know how he would sleep without his monster. Ethan decides that this will never do. He climbs out of bed and knocks on the floorboards. Then he jumps into bed and waits for his replacement monster.
The first monster’s name is Herbert and has an overbite and has never scared anyone before. So Ethan sends Herbert away and a new monster named Ralph appears. This time the monster has claws! But they’re covered in nail polish and the fur is neatly brushed. Ethan needed a scary monster, so he sends Ralph away as well. The next monster’s name is Cynthia and she has very impressive claws, but she’s a girl and Ethan really needs a boy monster. Ethan begins to think that he’s being too picky, but he stands firm. The next monster is named Mack had an abnormally long tongue that wasn’t scary at all. He leaves Ethan alone in his room saying not to expect another monster because he is too picky. Suddenly Ethan hears a noise under his bed. Gabe apologizes for being late and then explains that the fish get scared to easily and Ethan is a nice challenge. He drools nasty green slime and swings his spiked tail. Gabe and Ethan are perfect for each other. When Ethan’s blanket is tugged off the bed he knows Gabe is hungry, so he gives him his pillow. Everything was back to normal and Ethan was able to sleep.

Recommendations
I would recommend this to boys and girls who enjoy scary or funny stories. Not to children who are easily frightened because Gabe is somewhat scary looking.

Potential Problems
This book could be scary if a child has a real fear of monsters (however I think it could help a child get over that fear.) and there is a point in the book that says girl monsters are for girls and boy monsters for boys. Some parents might be bothered by that.

My Reaction:
I thought that this was a cute book and had some really fun illustrations. I thought it had a nice twist to monsters and could help kids understand that they’re not as scary.