Marilyn’s Monster

Posted on May 9, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Marilyn’s Monster (2015)
written by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Everyone in Marilyn’s class is getting their own pet monsters. But the way it works is this—a monster must be the one to choose the child. One by one, every kid is chosen. Everyone, that is, except Marilyn. She tries to be patient and stay positive, but she’s beginning to feel lonely, discouraged, and left out.

Finally, Marilyn bucks convention, forgets about the way it’s “supposed to work” and sets out to find her monster herself.

As a children’s picture book, this is a complete delight and one of our daughter’s favorites. A darling story with charming illustrations. (The monsters share similar physical traits with their human companions.) But this also feels like one of those picture books we can read and gain comfort from into adulthood. Who hasn’t felt like the one left out or left behind in life’s milestones, whether it’s making friends at school, finding love, having children, finding their passion or so on. Marilyn’s Monster is definitely on our must-own list.

Love Monster

Posted on March 17, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Love Monster (2012) by Rachel Bright

The slightly hairy, a little bit funny looking, Love Monster, is surrounded by cute, fluffy things. But he doesn’t let that deter him on his quest for finding love. Prepared with a plan and a suitcase of essentials (including doughnuts and back-up doughnuts, of course), Love Monster sets out. His search for love is tougher than he anticipated, but all ends well for this googly-eyed little guy.

Love Monster is darling and genuine and relatable and, much though he may not realize it, completely lovable by all. (I want a Monster Teddy like his!)

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Marilyn’s Monster
Valentine’s Day book list

The Monster at the End of This Book

Posted on October 25, 2016July 4, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Monster at the End of This Book (1971)
by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin

Lovable, furry old Grover (of Sesame Street fame) is scared. There is a monster at the end of the book, and he is doing everything in his power to stop you, the reader, from turning the pages. He ties pages together, builds walls, all the while begging the reader to Please. Stop. Turning. The. Pages.

This is an interactive book created before they were all the rage. It’s short, simple, funny, and fun.

While obviously not a “Halloween” book, it could easily fit a Halloween theme if need be. This is definitely one of my favorites.

The Monster at the End of This Book (1971)