I+Need+My+Monster

Ethan has a problem. Gabe, the monster who lives under his bed, has gone on vacation, and it’s not easy to find a substitute monster as scary as Gabe. Herbert’s teeth aren’t sharp enough, Ralph’s claws are too manicured, Cynthia has a very non-scary pink bow on her tail, and Mack’s tongue reduces Ethan to giggles. How will he ever get to sleep without his nightly scare? There is a subversive appeal to //I Need My Monster//. Ethan manages just fine without his parents’ help, and he isn’t fooled by trickery. Instead, he quickly takes control of the situation. Ethan clearly has a special relationship with Gabe, one that’s outside both adult and monster norms, and the fear factor is an important part of that. The design of the book is very effective, and the illustrations complement the story’s combination of scares and giggles. While shadowed, they are whimsical and colorful, and scary monster claws and tails turn out to be attached to bright yellow, purple and green creatures more comic than they are frightening. Although //I Need My Monster// is targeted at 4-8 year olds, kids at the younger end of that spectrum may not have the sophistication to appreciate or understand the humor, and some of the word choices and illustrations could have a powerful impact. Particularly with the preschool crowd, this is a book to share and discuss. //I Need My Monster// is a great choice for middle and upper elementary kids who have outgrown their fears of the monster under the bed, and now enjoy a delicious scare, especially one leavened with humor.