3 Favorite Monster Picture Books

As it is Halloween on Friday, I'll be specializing in all sorts of ghoulish posts this week. This post lists my new favorite monster picture books. Which are actually good for anytime of the year...

The Monstore
Written by Tara Lazar, illustrated by James Burks

ISBN: 9781442420175
Publisher: Aladdin
Date of publication: June 4, 2013
Age: 3 - 7 years

In the very back of Frankensweet's, with a special knock and some squirmyworms, Zack enters the trapdoor to The Monstore--the specialty monster shop. His little sister won't pay attention to his "Keep Out" sign, and he's sure a monster will get the message across. But when things don't go as planned, Zack discovers the Monstore's "No refunds, no exchanges, no exceptions" policy. Now what?

I love this story. Kids will love this story. Especially when you can relate to the whole annoying-sibling aspect. The illustrations are fantastic with a variety of funky monsters, and the story is really rather unique. Plus, it has a real life lesson: always check a store's return policy. But really, check out this book!

(It's at the library or on Amazon)

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Zombie in Love
Written by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Scott Campbell

ISBN: 9781442402706
Publisher: Atheneum Books
Date of publication: August 23, 2011
Age: 4 - 8 years

Mortimer is hopelessly looking for love. He's too stiff to dance gracefully, his arms fall off at the gym, and most girls seem to be a bit put off by his smile. So he puts an ad in the paper. Surely the girl of his dreams will answer it?

Zombies need some lovin' too, man. Mortimer is just about the most lovable zombie you will ever meet; you can't help but hope he'll find his love. The illustrations add just the right amount of silly and gross, the story is clever, and the ending is perfect. Totally recommended. And, the best part is, the sequel, Zombie in Love 2 + 1 is coming out in December. I'm looking forward to it.

(It's at the library or on Amazon)

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I Need My Monster
Written by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam

ISBN: 978-0979974625
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Date of publication: April 1, 2009
Age: 5 - 8 years

Ethan is quite upset to discover that Gabe, the monster that usually lives under his bed, has gone on vacation. How is he going to fall asleep now? He immediately puts in a request for a substitute, but the teeth aren't sharp enough, or tail scary enough--they just aren't as good! Will any monster be able to compare to Gabe?

While inducing giggles, it also prompts some chills--this book has a perfect balance of silly and scary. It's a great for a bedtime book because it can dispel the greatest fears while encouraging children to stay curled up in bed. The variety of monsters are all imaginative and the illustrations are captivating. I highly recommend it, if you haven't read this popular book already!

(It's at the library or on Amazon)