Books About Monsters: stories that teach life lessons in the dark

Hey, book lover! Do you have a soft spot for creatures that go bump in the night? Or perhaps your young reader does? You're in the right place because we're talking all about books about monsters for kids. These aren't your typical scary monsters stories that leave kids hiding under the covers. No, these monster tales can be silly, exciting, and yes, sometimes a little scary—but in a good way. They open up a whole new world of creativity, empathy, and understanding for kids.

But before we dive into the depths, let's clarify what we mean by monsters in children's literature. A monster isn't just a scary monster or creepy monster. Monsters could be the colorful creatures from Sesame Street or misunderstood creature filled stories from a graphic novel. It's a broad term encompassing all sorts of complex characters that don't quite fit the norm, and that's what makes them so intriguing!

History of Monsters in Children's Literature

From picture books to middle-grade novels, monsters have been around in kids' literature for quite a while. Let's take a quick trip down memory lane to see how these creepy monsters and friendly faces have evolved over time.

Early Monster Books

Monster tales have been part of children's literature for centuries. Even in the old fables and fairy tales, you'd find scary monsters that served as cautionary figures. They were the big bad wolves and witches that taught kids about danger and consequences.

Evolution of Monsters

However, over time, monster books for children evolved. Monsters in stories began to have more depth—they weren't just fear inducing creatures. They could be the new friend who looked different or the misunderstood creature who just needed a little love. These more complex monster characters taught kids about empathy, acceptance, and understanding differences.

On the other hand, some books used the idea of monsters to help kids confront their fears. By portraying monsters as characters that could be befriended or understood, children learned that even scary things could be less intimidating when viewed from a different perspective.

Impact of Influential Authors and Illustrators

Certain authors and illustrators have shaped the depiction of monsters in children's literature. For example, Jon Stone and Michael Smollin of Sesame Street introduced us to lovable monsters. These colorful creatures became iconic figures that helped normalize the idea of friendly monsters.

In the same vein, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein's Monster also made a significant impact, albeit at a higher reading level. This misunderstood monster made us question who the real monster was—the creature or its creator. Consequently, stories like these have helped redefine what a monster is in children's literature.

In short, monsters in children's literature have come a long way from being mere symbols of fear. They've transformed into beings that symbolize differences, acceptance, and overcoming fears, adding layers of meaning to our favorite monster books. So, what's the role of these monsters in children's books today? Stick around, because we're diving into that next.

Role of Monsters in Children's Books

Now that we've looked at the history of monster books, let's examine the role of monsters in children's literature today. Certainly, monsters have a lot more to offer beyond being just scary creatures. So, what makes them such a brilliant idea in kids' literature?

Using Books about Monsters as Teaching Tools

Above all, monsters serve as excellent teaching tools. Remember that big green monster or little monster from the storybooks? They aren't just there to look cool or scary; they have a purpose. For instance, monsters often represent challenges or obstacles that the human kids or village children in the story must overcome. In doing so, they learn valuable lessons about courage, determination, and problem-solving.

Using Books about Monsters to Address Fears

Monsters in books also help children address their fears. After all, what's scarier to a kid than a scary monster under the bed? By presenting monsters in a safe and controlled environment, like a clever picture book or graphic novel, kids can explore their fears without feeling scared or threatened. For example, Even Monsters by Troy Cummings and Scaredy Monster by Lynn Fulton both tackle fear and how to handle it.

Using Books about Monsters to Impart Moral and Ethical Lessons

Monsters can also impart moral and ethical lessons. Remember Frankenstein's monster? Despite being a scary monster, he was more misunderstood than evil. His story teaches us about empathy, acceptance, and the consequences of our actions.

Using Books about Monsters to Foster Creativity and Imagination

Last but not least, monsters foster creativity and imagination. From the little boy who befriends a monster in My Monster Friend to the young boy who outwits a sea monster in The Sea Monster's Secret, these stories ignite the imagination and encourage kids to think outside the box.

Types of Monsters in Books for kids

Alright, it's time to meet the monsters! Let's take a look at the different types of monsters you might find lurking in the pages of children's books.

Frightening Monsters

Firstly, we have the frightening monsters. Now, these aren't meant to traumatize our young readers. They might be scary, but they often serve a purpose—helping children confront and manage their fears. Take The Dark, Scary Night by Sean Taylor, for instance. It helps kids face the fear of the dark.

Friendly Monsters

On the other hand, we have friendly monsters. These guys are the opposite of their scary counterparts. They're the lovable, cuddly, or quirky characters that kids can't help but adore. Steve Light's Have You Seen My Monster? is a brilliant example, with a friendly monster hiding in plain sight.

Misunderstood Monsters

Next up, we've got misunderstood monsters. These are the creatures that might seem scary at first but are really just misunderstood. A good example is Michael Rex's silly book Furious George Goes Bananas: A Primate Parody, which puts a monstrous twist on the beloved Curious George, but all George really wants is friendship.

Mythical and Legendary Monsters

Lastly, we have mythical and legendary monsters. These are creatures like dragons, unicorns, or griffins—beings that come from folklore and mythology. These stories, like Nick Eliopulos' The Creature of the Pines, often blend magic, adventure, and monster lore, whisking young readers away to incredible fantasy worlds.

From friendly to scary, from misunderstood to mythical, each monster serves a unique purpose in a story. They entertain, educate, and help our kids grow, making them an essential part of children's literature. So, next time your kid picks up a monster book, remember: there's more to these monsters than meets the eye.

Best Books about Monsters for Early Readers

Alright, now that we've talked about the history, role, and types of monsters in children's literature, let's get to the fun part. Here are some of our favorite monster books along with some solid picture books for early readers.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley

This interactive story invites kids to chase away a big green monster layer by layer. As a result, they learn they have control over their fears. The book's cute illustrations and interactive elements make it a hit during read aloud time. More than a silly book, this one offers a brilliant way for kids to address their fears in a fun, engaging way. Buy it here.

There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

In this story, there's a little blue monster causing a ruckus, and it's up to the reader to shake, tilt, and spin the book to get him out. In other words, it's an interactive story that kids absolutely love. Not to mention, the little monster is more cute than scary, making it a perfect pick for young readers. Buy it here.

Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin

A sweet and charming nonfiction book, Monsters Love Colors is filled with vibrant colorful creatures who can't wait to teach kids about primary and secondary colors. With its charming illustrations and interactive elements, it's the perfect book to combine learning and fun. Buy it here.

Best Chapter Books About Monsters

For our older, more adventurous readers, here are some monster books that offer a bit more thrill and complexity. But don't worry. They're age-appropriate and not too scary. Mostly...

GHOUL SCHOOL By Devlin DeGuise

Experience the thrill of GHOUL SCHOOL, a groundbreaking series crafted to ignite your child's passion for reading!

Each GHOUL SCHOOL adventure offers:

• A fusion of traditional prose, graphic novels, and audiobooks, designed to improve reading comprehension and engage diverse learning styles

• Stunning artwork to help visual learners understand context so the story is able to grab them and never let go 

• Spine-chilling music and Hollywood sound effects enhance the audiobook, delivering a read-along experience kids will never forget

• Compelling, age-appropriate scares that sharpen focus and keep young readers hooked

• Unpredictable endings that leave children eager for more so each read fosters a reading habit that last

Dive into VENUS CHILD TRAP, an action-packed tale with an important lesson: it's often the tasks we avoid that can grown into monsters beyond our control!

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate

In this exciting series of books for kids, a group of young heroes must navigate their way through a monster apocalypse. With its blend of horror and humor, complex characters, and non-stop action, it's an excellent pick for middle-grade readers. This one is approved by GHOUL SCHOOL headmaster, Devlin DeGuise. Buy it here. 

Eerie Elementary

 

This spooky series lets children tag along with Sammy Fletcher, a curious fourth-grader who discovers strange and mysterious things happening in his school.

With the help of his friends, Sammy investigates spooky happenings and must use his problem-solving skills to save the day. Along the way, he meets quirky characters and learns important lessons about friendship, bravery, and following his heart. Buy it here. 

Best Books about Monsters for Middle Schoolers

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel and Jon Klassen

This thrilling story is about a young boy named Steve who's visited by mysterious wasp-like creatures offering to "fix" his sick baby brother. With its brilliant illustrations and thought-provoking story, it's a perfect read for kids ready for more mature themes. Buy it here.

The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny

This title explores what happens when human kids encounter a group of monsters living in secret. It's a story about understanding and accepting differences, all wrapped up in a compelling adventure. With complex characters and a thought-provoking plot, it's a must-read for middle graders. Buy it here.

Halloween books for Tweens

Don't forget to check out some titles that are specific to the spooky season. Our list of fun Halloween books for tweens will have your children and their friends checking for monsters under the bed all through the month of October.

Why Books about Monsters Matter

In short, monster books are more than just thrilling tales of scary monsters and fear-inducing creatures. Age-appropriate horror stories can be a great way to motivate reluctant readers at home. They are essential teaching tools, allowing kids to explore complex feelings, fears, and societal norms within the safety of their own imaginations.

Overcoming Fears

Let's face it, everyone—especially children—have fears. Monster books provide a way to explore these fears in a controlled environment. They turn fear into an interactive experience, whether it's shaking a book to get rid of a little monster or learning how to say "Go Away, Big Green Monster!" Hence, they are instrumental in helping children understand and manage their fears.

Teaching Life Lessons

Moreover, monster books are also a goldmine of life lessons. They teach children about empathy and acceptance, using monsters as a symbol for the misunderstood or the different. From Frankenstein's monster to all the monsters living secretly in Rookhaven, these stories remind us that not everything is as it seems and that everyone deserves understanding and kindness.

Encouraging Creativity in Kids

Finally, monster books serve as a springboard for imagination and creativity. From colorful creatures to sea monsters, from little monsters to big green monsters, these books are filled with creature-filled stories that inspire creativity. They encourage children to create their own monster stories, thereby stimulating their imaginative and creative thinking.

In conclusion, books about monsters are a crucial part of kid lit. They foster creativity, teach life lessons, and help children manage their fears—all while providing an entertaining read. So, the next time you're looking for a book for kids, don't shy away from the monster section. It's packed with fun, educational, and yes, a little bit scary (but in a good way) stories that your kids will love!