Monsters - by Servant (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A gorgeously illustrated middle grade novel / graphic novel hybrid, set in a deliciously gothic world of monsters

"An intriguing atmosphere, where the strange and familiar mingle... The power of the story and illustrations give wings to the reader's imagination" -- Télérama

It all starts when a fascinating travelling circus arrives in a small, peaceful village...

The townspeople, eager for excitement, are abuzz with curiosity about the mysterious circus that is rumoured to feature a terrifying monster. That evening, Otto, the narrator, takes his place among the eager crowd inside the dimly lit circus tent. The air crackles with anticipation, and as the curtains slowly part, the audience gasps--but not for the reason they expected.

The so-called "monster" on stage is, in fact, a human child. Meanwhile, the onlookers in the crowd are actually monsters--both terrifying and grotesque! Otto, whose face is finally revealed, is also a hairy monster. Little by little, Otto and the human child get to know each other, and change the way they both look at the world.

Review Quotes

"Creepy, poetic and profound... a beautifully illustrated book about difference that hooks you like the best of ghost stories, before turning a mirror on its reader and challenging our preconceptions, our fears and our prejudice"
--Jason Cockcroft, author of We Were Wolves

"The prose reads like poetry, filled with haunting, lyrical language that builds an eerie, immersive tone. Zouliamis's black-and-white illustrations, rich with shadowy detail, deepen the unsettling atmosphere and enhance the emotional impact... A great middle grade horror novel with evocative illustrations, this title belongs in every library collection."
--School Library Journal

"An outstanding book that poses questions without didacticism, shocking- but allowing a positive ending."
--Books for Keeps, Editor's Choice

"Strange, unsettling and yet beautiful, this is a vital children's read."
--Children's Books Ireland

"A powerful and visually striking story exploring fear, imagination, and the unknown, from one of France's most celebrated children's authors."
--The French Institute

"I got transported to another world... A middle grade Where The Wild Things Are."
--The Island of Brilliant podcast

"I was completely hooked. I literally couldn't take my eyes off it... A heartwarming tale filled with friendship."
--Emaan, age 9, Reading 2 Smile

"The story captivates. The illustrations are curious and the combination of novel alongside graphic storytelling gives the whole a thrill unlike any other."
--Armadillo Magazine

About the Author

Stéphane Servant is a prizewinning author of novels and graphic novels for children. He lives near Carcassonne, in the south of France. Monsters won France's foremost children's literature award, the Prix Sorcières.

Nicolas Zouliamis is an award-winning Belgian illustrator of children's books, whose fantastical style recalls the worlds of Lewis Carroll and Tim Burton.