Dewey Discoveries: "Monster Science: Could Monsters Survive and Thrive in the Real World? by Helaine Becker and Phil McAndrew

My science-minded, highly analytical teenager is only scared of one thing: zombies.  His reasoning is "they could actually happen."  So when I saw this book, I had to find out the scientific evidence of monsters in the real world.

Each chapter focuses on a specific creature: zombie, vampire, werewolf, etc.  It's broken down into short sections with jokes, facts, pictures, and tables.  It explains the science behind the monster along with the history and evolution. The verdict on zombies?  I'm not scared of the undead coming to eat my brains any time soon.

This would be a great book for a reluctant reader ages 8 and up.

--Angie R-H, Cliff Cave

The Life of the Monster in Picture Books

Sometimes children imagine monsters under their beds. Sometimes they imagine monsters in their closets. And there are lots of picture books about that. Have you ever imagined what it's like to be a monster? Here are three brand-new picture books that will bring out your silly side as you think about what life might be like for those creatures that just might lurk under the bed. Click on the titles below to request a copy today.

"Quit Calling Me a Monster!" by Jory John and Bob Shea

Here is an example of a sensitive fellow who's tire of being called a monster. Read the story and giggle as he tries to persuade you to stop being afraid of him. Because he's really quite harmless. Or is he?







"Monster Park" by Annie Bach

In this sweet little story, baby monsters play at the park just like human children. They get dizzy on the merry-go-round, they fight over toys, and they eat snacks together. Maybe monsters aren't so different after all.








"Monsters Go Night-Night" by Aaron Zenz

With illustrations inspired by his son's artwork, Zenz presents a fun challenge: can you guess how a monster goes night-night? The unexpected answers will have everyone laughing.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Is There a Monster in the House?

Who wouldn't love to have a pet monster? It sounds like a great idea--someone fuzzy to play with who will always be there. It's not always perfect, however, as we discover in two new chapter books for readers in second and third grade. Click on the links below to reserve a copy today.

Would you like to have a hyper monster baby for a best friend? Harold Fuzzwonker does in "Fizzopolis" by Patrick Carman, a silly book about wacky inventions and candy spies. As the son of a mad food scientist, Harold Fuzzwonker is dying to go into his dad's secret lab. Once he turns ten he's allowed inside, and there he finds all kinds of fun and crazy monsters, one who becomes his best friend and just might cause some big trouble at school. 

Some monsters are a little more cantankerous, as we find out in "Ruffleclaw" by Cornelia Funke. What would you do if you were a four-armed, furry earth monster who just so happens to love cake, piano music, and shampoo? Move into a people house, of course! If you were a boy, what would you do if a smelly, four-armed furry monster crawled into your bed? Become friends, of course! Right?

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Review: "Monsters Go Night-Night" by Aaron Zenz

Even monsters have to go to bed. In "Monsters Go Night-Night" by Aaron Zenz, young readers will delight in discovering what a monster's bedtime routine could be. Each page presents a question about what monsters do at night, "MONSTERS like to snuggle. What do MONSTERS snuggle with?"  There are several ideas provided on the page for your little reader to pick from (a teddy bear, a doll, a blankie, or a tuba). The fun is in the guessing, and you'll probably guess wrong! Sure to elicit many giggles , "Monsters Go Night-Night" is a delightful bed-time book for any young reader. Perfect for the toddler to kindergarten set. Click on the link above to request a copy today. If you like this book, check out Aaron Zenz's other titles.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "The Creatures Under My Bed" by Caspar Babypants

Do you have a little one at home who's afraid of the monsters under the bed? Watch this adorable video from the always-creative Caspar Babypants, and they'll be checking under their bed for a party instead (and you'll find yourself singing along as well)! If you like the song, you can check out the album, "Rise and Shine."

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Book Trailer: "Boys of Blur" by N.D. Wilson

Sugarcane, football, zombie-like creatures and an evil swamp monster all collide in the heart-pounding and lyrically written "Boys of Blur" by N.D. Wilson. Watch the trailer, request a copy and enjoy! Appropriate for grades 5-7.

--Andrea W., Headquarters