I Need My Monster - by Amanda Noll (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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 he doesn't stand a chance of getting to sleep, so Ethan interviews potential substitutes to see if they've got the right equipment for the job--pointy teeth, sharp claws, and a long tail--but none of them proves scary enough for Ethan. When Gabe returns sooner than expected from his fishing trip, Ethan is thrilled. It turns out that Gabe didn't enjoy fishing because the fish scared too easily.

Scholastic Book Club Selection

Winner of 6 state awards: Alabama Camellia Award (2010-2011), Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award (2011), California Young Readers Medal (2011-12), Georgia Picture Storybook Award (2011-12), Nevada Young Reader Award (2011-12), Virginia Reader's Choice Primary Award (2012-13)

Included on 5 other state award lists: Mississippi Magnolia Children's Choice Award list (2012-13), Nebraska Golden Sower Award list (2011-12), South Dakota Prairie Bud Award list (2011-12), Washington Children's Choice Book Award list (2010-2011), Wyoming Buckaroo Award list (2011-12)

Additionally, these regional awards lists: Connecticut Charter Oak Children's Book Award list (2011-12), Iowa Regional Goldfinch Award Winner (2009-10)

Storytelling World Award Honor Book 2010

Review Quotes

"I love this story for younger students who might be afraid of the monsters under their bed because it always gives them a good laugh and a little more peace knowing the monsters under their bed maybe aren't that scary..." --Maureen Wilson, School-based SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist)

"After reading I Need My Monster, 3rd graders at Rogers Elementary drew their own monsters that would keep them in bed. Then their teacher gave their drawings to the family and consumer science high school teacher and told her 3rd grade class that their monsters ran away. The high school teacher had her entrepreneurship class create these monsters using everything from hot glue guns to sewing machines to learn skills that they would use in the fashion industry. Afterwards, they got to surprise the 3rd grade class with toy-versions of their monsters to keep under their beds."--Times Daily

"A clever anxiety-defuser and an unusually well done double-debut." --Kirkus Reviews

"A must read for any discerning monster lover. A perfect bedtime companion. I'm keeping one copy on the nightstand, and one under the bed!" --Edward Hemingway, author, Bump in the Night

"A perfect read-aloud for squirmy youngsters, especially boys . . . exquisitely creepy, perfect for. . . all monster-lovers." --The Sacramento Bee

"Between the simple hilarity of the story itself and the amazing, gorgeous illustrations, I Need My Monster is a brilliant piece of picture book work." --A Patchwork of Books

"Noll turns the tables on monster fears by introducing readers to Ethan, a little boy who can't fall asleep without the ragged breathing and claw-scratching of his favorite monster, Gabe." --Booklist

"The same kids who loved Neil Gaiman's The Wolves in the Walls are sure to appreciate I Need My Monster too. Highly recommended." --Monster Librarian.com

"A fun nighttime read for those who enjoy a bit of shiver as they are tucked in to bed . . . a great read-aloud for a slightly older audience at a night-themed story hour." --School Library Journal

"....endearing twist on [an] old adage... as adventurous as it is humorous... Readers will want to turn the pages to find out which monsters can fill the bill of nibbling on those pinkies..." --Sandie Lee, https: //smartypantsmagazineforkids.com

About the Author

Amanda Noll is a writer. She lives in Spanaway, Washington. Howard McWilliam has won awards for his artwork, including National Young Cartoonist of the Year (UK), and has contributed art to a wide range of magazines and newspapers including, Child Education, The Daily Telegraph, Nursery Education, and The Week.