Funny, Not Scary, Monster Picture Books
Did you know that Monster Picture Books are good for kids?
Books with monsters can allow kids to come to terms with difficult feelings they are grappling with consciously or unconsciously (being afraid of the dark, having a hard time at school, etc…). These books can allow kids to embrace their difficult feelings in a safe way.
An article in the Washington Post says this:
-Reading about and making up monsters can help kids build real-world problem-solving skills to address those fears.
-When engaging with magic and monsters, young readers (and young writers too) are studying some really important stuff: how to persevere and solve problems, even when the world seems unfamiliar and scary or strange.
With that in mind, I present to you a list of favorite monster picture books.
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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The genius, Maurice Sendak, knew what he was doing when writing about monsters and scary things. His Caldecott winner, Where the Wild Things Are, shows a boy’s struggle with the lack of control he has in his world. He enters the world of imagination to exert control over all the Wild Things, but eventually realizes “he just wants to be where he is loved best.”
Recommended for Ages 4-8
My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown
In this picture book we meet an energetic young boy who thinks his teacher is a Monster. She must be a monster since she roars loudly and has such a mean face, right? Then one day, his worst nightmare comes true. He runs into his teacher at his favorite park. When he sees her outside the classroom and even discovers they have a common interest, he decides she’s not quite the monster he thought she was.
Recommended for Ages 4-8
I Need my Monster by Amanda Knoll
In this award winning book, the author uses humor and absurdity to confront the idea of a monster under the bed. A young boy just can’t go to sleep without the monster under his bed. But when his monster goes on vacation, the boy rejects a series of substitute monsters that are sent as a replacement. They’re just not scary enough!
Recommended for Ages 5-8
I Think That it is Wonderful (Sesame Street) by David Korr
Now back in print, this Little Golden Book from our favorite monsters from Sesame Street should not be overlooked. This book of soft poems on topics all children can relate to (being the new kid, tackling new skills, getting embarrassed) is told from the viewpoint of the Sesame Street monsters and muppets.
Recommended for Ages 3-7
Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
Some monsters are just not scary. That’s certainly true with this monster. He isn’t big, and he doesn’t have lots of teeth. But Leonardo doesn’t give up. After some training, he looks for a wimpy little kid to scare. But when he gives it his all, the kid’s response is not what Leonardo expected. Leonardo discovers that maybe there is something more rewarding than scaring little boys and girls.
Recommended for ages 3-6
The Very Worst Monster by Pat Hutchins
All the monster family members and friends are so proud of the new baby. They think he will grow up to be the very worst monster. But older sister, Hazel, comes up with a plan to prove she’s the worst monster ever. This silly, not-so-spooky monster tale addresses sibling rivalry making it a story most siblings and parents can relate to.
Recommended for Ages 4-8
The Nightmare in my Closet by Mercer Mayer
This has been my favorite monster book for ages!
Is it possible to feel sorry for a monster? You will when reading this book. In it, a boy tries to get rid of his nightmare monster once and for all but ends up making him cry. Now there’s only one thing to do.
Recommended for Ages 4-8
Maurice the Unbeastly by Amy Dixon
If you’ve ever felt like you just don’t fit in, you can relate to Maurice in this delightful recent addition to the world of Monster picture books. Maurice doesn’t want to be a “gargantuan failure,” but he can’t help that he’s a vegetarian whose roars come out like beautiful melodies. He dutifully enrolls in the Abominable Academy for Brutish Beasts, but continues to feel like a failure until one day his unique gifts come in handy and are finally celebrated.
Recommended for Ages 4-8
The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber
In this fun monstrous tale, a young monster learns that embracing your uniqueness and being yourself is ultimately more rewarding than trying to live up to others’ expectations. The sweet illustrations and subtle message of discovering your identity make this an enjoyable book for all.
Recommended for Ages 4-8
What’s your favorite monster picture book? Is it one of these listed here, or do you have another one to recommend? Tell me in the comments below.
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