I Need My Monster

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

Author: Amanda Noll
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Published: 04/01/2009
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 10.25h x 10.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780979974625
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 130382 / I Need My Monster

Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Winner
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Winner
Award: Golden Sower Award - Honor Book
Award: Nevada Young Readers' Award - Winner
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Winner
Award: Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award - Nominee
Award: Buckaroo Book Award - Third Place
Award: California Young Reader Medal - Winner
Award: Alabama Camellia Award - Winner

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 03/01/2009
Booklist 03/15/2009 pg. 66
School Library Journal 04/01/2009 pg. 114
Publishers Weekly 04/06/2009 pg. 46
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2009 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

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.