Picturebook Review: Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere

Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere is a bedtime story for the braver kids. A monster is ready for bed, but first he needs something. He licks his lips and begins a long journey to get a little closer to you, all snug in bed. Could he be looking for a bedtime snack, and could that snack be you? worried phrases implying your likely-hood of being a treat for the monster might have you worried, since his belly seems to be rumbling. however, you might think what the monster really wants is worse than being his snack; a sloppy, monster kiss!

Bedtime for Monsters is a great story for the monster obsessed kids, though I would not recommend it for the easily scared or prone to nightmares. It might really scare some of the more sensitive kids, but also might do the trick in solving bedtime fears for the crown that likes Scooby Doo but still occasionally worries about the Creeper lurking in the dark (like my son). The monster's journey and narrator's thoughts about the monster's intentions, are very well done and build up significant tension and smiles. It is somewhat reminiscent of The Monster at the End of This Book, which is one of my all time favorites, though a little scarier. I was never afraid of Grover's monster, but the final act of Bedtime for Monsters might have young children concerned.

I recommend Bedtime for Monsters for monster and Halloween themed storytimes or classroom days. I think it would best be saved for the older or braver listeners, rather than the youngest crowd.