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Love Monster #4
Love Monster and the Scary Something
A hair-raisingly funny and deliciously spooky new title in this monster hit series!
It’s way past bedtime o’clock in Cutesville and Love Monster is the only one who’s wide awake… Or is he?
As the sounds of the night make his imagination run wild… will he be brave enough to stare his fears straight in the googly eye?
A heart-poppingly empowering, edge-of the-bed story, about how, sometimes, it’s only when we face our fears, that we find out there was nothing to be scared of, after all.
It’s way past bedtime o’clock in Cutesville and Love Monster is the only one who’s wide awake… Or is he?
As the sounds of the night make his imagination run wild… will he be brave enough to stare his fears straight in the googly eye?
A heart-poppingly empowering, edge-of the-bed story, about how, sometimes, it’s only when we face our fears, that we find out there was nothing to be scared of, after all.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Rachel Bright
75 books176 followersRachel is a writer of words, drawer of pictures and champion of silver linings. She exhibits widely, writes tirelessly and frequently creates slightly unhinged characters.
Her written work includes children’s stories and poems, clever advertising copy and lots of other stuff besides. Her illustrative work is a smorgasboard of giant, hand-printed poems, mind-bogglingly detailed gouache illustrations and a cacophony of quirky prints and etchings.
She explores the lovliness of words and the magic of pictures, revelling in a world of jam-eating miniature bears and other made-up animals.
Her work aims to capture a free way of thinking - one which makes you feel anything is possible, a feeling all too easily lost with the end of childhood. When we’re all grown-up, sometimes we just need a little nudge to remember it’s been there all along.
*Rachel has also been an air hostess, a garden designer and a lifeguard. She often runs a really long way and was once invited to the selection of the British ultra running team. She also once won a date with Man of the millennium and has been trying to live it down ever since.
Her written work includes children’s stories and poems, clever advertising copy and lots of other stuff besides. Her illustrative work is a smorgasboard of giant, hand-printed poems, mind-bogglingly detailed gouache illustrations and a cacophony of quirky prints and etchings.
She explores the lovliness of words and the magic of pictures, revelling in a world of jam-eating miniature bears and other made-up animals.
Her work aims to capture a free way of thinking - one which makes you feel anything is possible, a feeling all too easily lost with the end of childhood. When we’re all grown-up, sometimes we just need a little nudge to remember it’s been there all along.
*Rachel has also been an air hostess, a garden designer and a lifeguard. She often runs a really long way and was once invited to the selection of the British ultra running team. She also once won a date with Man of the millennium and has been trying to live it down ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 31, 2017
Love Monster just can't sleep and the night becomes spookier. Is something out there to get him? Love Monster must be brave. Follow along to see if he can overcome his fears.
Although this isn't technically a Halloween book, we love this one for this time of year. The best illustrations!
Although this isn't technically a Halloween book, we love this one for this time of year. The best illustrations!
November 20, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
It’s way past bedtime o’clock in Cutesville and Love Monster is the only one who’s wide awake… Or is he? As the sounds of the night make his imagination run wild… will he be brave enough to stare his fears straight in the googly eye?
I thought my nephew might enjoy the art of this book... And he did... But we didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought we would. The art is good but the way it is framed on the page is only stellar in a couple of spreads with the supposed monster coming for him. Otherwise it felt very repetitive always setup with the same positioning.
Really my nephew seemed quite puzzled at times... I don't think the text or the pictures did a good job expressing the story. And the bunny wasn't really funny or cute. I was really wondering why it was in the love monster's house scaring him by eating a carrot? Neither of us cared to think about this long enough to come to a conclusion.
I love the IDEA of the message that one must face their fears but the conclusion was really too simplified. And the end too silly. I can see where a child afraid of the dark may be comforted of their fear in the moment but I feel like it teaches far worst ideas in the larger scheme of things as fears sometimes have a basis for them and facing them can reveal the truth behind them... and it's not bunnies...
BOTTOM LINE: To help assuage the childhood fear of the dark.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
It’s way past bedtime o’clock in Cutesville and Love Monster is the only one who’s wide awake… Or is he? As the sounds of the night make his imagination run wild… will he be brave enough to stare his fears straight in the googly eye?
I thought my nephew might enjoy the art of this book... And he did... But we didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought we would. The art is good but the way it is framed on the page is only stellar in a couple of spreads with the supposed monster coming for him. Otherwise it felt very repetitive always setup with the same positioning.
Really my nephew seemed quite puzzled at times... I don't think the text or the pictures did a good job expressing the story. And the bunny wasn't really funny or cute. I was really wondering why it was in the love monster's house scaring him by eating a carrot? Neither of us cared to think about this long enough to come to a conclusion.
I love the IDEA of the message that one must face their fears but the conclusion was really too simplified. And the end too silly. I can see where a child afraid of the dark may be comforted of their fear in the moment but I feel like it teaches far worst ideas in the larger scheme of things as fears sometimes have a basis for them and facing them can reveal the truth behind them... and it's not bunnies...
BOTTOM LINE: To help assuage the childhood fear of the dark.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
May 7, 2019
It's "bedtime o'clock" in Cutesville, and Love Monster is trying to get to sleep. Unfortunately he just can't drop off, lying there listening to the sounds of the night. But when some unexpected noises downstairs convince him that there is a scary something in the house with him, he finds he must choose between cowering under the covers or getting up and discovering what it is....
The fourth and thus far final picture-book devoted to the adventures of the eponymous Love Monster, Love Monster and the Scary Something addresses a common childhood experience: feeling afraid of the dark, and the noises coming from it, as one is trying to get to sleep. The conclusion of the story, in which , emphasizes that often our fears are more disturbing when they are not confronted. I was surprised to see that once again, just as in Love Monster and the Last Chocolate , our monster hero's special lady-monster friend makes no appearance, but leaving that aside, I did enjoy this newest installment of the series. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the previous books about Love Monster, as well as to anyone looking for children's stories addressing nighttime fears.
The fourth and thus far final picture-book devoted to the adventures of the eponymous Love Monster, Love Monster and the Scary Something addresses a common childhood experience: feeling afraid of the dark, and the noises coming from it, as one is trying to get to sleep. The conclusion of the story, in which , emphasizes that often our fears are more disturbing when they are not confronted. I was surprised to see that once again, just as in Love Monster and the Last Chocolate , our monster hero's special lady-monster friend makes no appearance, but leaving that aside, I did enjoy this newest installment of the series. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the previous books about Love Monster, as well as to anyone looking for children's stories addressing nighttime fears.
February 14, 2023
A cute little story about learning how to face your fears.
April 26, 2023
As a teacher, parent, and avid reader, I am pleased to recommend Love Monster and the Scary Something by Rachel Bright. This delightful children's book continues the adventures of Love Monster, a lovable character who faces a new challenge in this spooky and heartwarming tale.
Love Monster and the Scary Something follows Love Monster as he encounters mysterious noises and unsettling shadows in the dark. Filled with humor, suspense, and important messages about facing fears, this story is perfect for young readers who may be dealing with their own fears or anxieties.
Rachel Bright's illustrations once again shine in this book. The colorful and expressive artwork brings Love Monster and his friends to life, creating a visually appealing and engaging reading experience. The illustrations effectively capture the emotions of the characters and enhance the storytelling, making it a joy to flip through the pages.
One of the strengths of Love Monster and the Scary Something is its message about facing fears with courage and curiosity. The story shows Love Monster navigating his fears by confronting the unknown with a sense of adventure and curiosity. It reinforces the idea that fears can be overcome with bravery and a positive mindset, a valuable lesson for young readers.
As a teacher, I appreciate how Love Monster and the Scary Something can be used to initiate discussions about emotions, fears, and problem-solving in the classroom. The story presents an opportunity to teach children about managing fears, seeking support from trusted friends, and finding the courage to face the unknown, all important life skills that can be applied in various situations.
As a parent, I found Love Monster and the Scary Something to be an enjoyable read-aloud experience with my child. The story's engaging plot, relatable characters, and positive messages about facing fears in a positive way resonated with my child. It sparked conversations about emotions, fears, and ways to deal with them, making it a valuable addition to our bedtime reading routine.
In conclusion, Love Monster and the Scary Something by Rachel Bright is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that addresses important themes of facing fears and overcoming challenges. While I rate it 4 stars, it is still a captivating and meaningful read for young readers. With its engaging story, expressive illustrations, and positive messages, Love Monster and the Scary Something is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf.
Love Monster and the Scary Something follows Love Monster as he encounters mysterious noises and unsettling shadows in the dark. Filled with humor, suspense, and important messages about facing fears, this story is perfect for young readers who may be dealing with their own fears or anxieties.
Rachel Bright's illustrations once again shine in this book. The colorful and expressive artwork brings Love Monster and his friends to life, creating a visually appealing and engaging reading experience. The illustrations effectively capture the emotions of the characters and enhance the storytelling, making it a joy to flip through the pages.
One of the strengths of Love Monster and the Scary Something is its message about facing fears with courage and curiosity. The story shows Love Monster navigating his fears by confronting the unknown with a sense of adventure and curiosity. It reinforces the idea that fears can be overcome with bravery and a positive mindset, a valuable lesson for young readers.
As a teacher, I appreciate how Love Monster and the Scary Something can be used to initiate discussions about emotions, fears, and problem-solving in the classroom. The story presents an opportunity to teach children about managing fears, seeking support from trusted friends, and finding the courage to face the unknown, all important life skills that can be applied in various situations.
As a parent, I found Love Monster and the Scary Something to be an enjoyable read-aloud experience with my child. The story's engaging plot, relatable characters, and positive messages about facing fears in a positive way resonated with my child. It sparked conversations about emotions, fears, and ways to deal with them, making it a valuable addition to our bedtime reading routine.
In conclusion, Love Monster and the Scary Something by Rachel Bright is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that addresses important themes of facing fears and overcoming challenges. While I rate it 4 stars, it is still a captivating and meaningful read for young readers. With its engaging story, expressive illustrations, and positive messages, Love Monster and the Scary Something is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf.
August 27, 2018
Be prepared for an avalanche of giggles with this book. Love Monster and the Scary Something is adorable, and with its silly words and sound effects it lends itself to such an over-the-top read-aloud style that you’ll probably have to pause quite a bit to let kids catch their breath from laughing so much. Rachel Bright’s art style is loose and expressive, and she adds hilarious details for both kids and adults to enjoy.
The story does get a bit scary in the middle, though, as Love Monster’s imagination runs wild and he pictures a huge monster with “terrible, twisterly toenails” coming up the stairs to come get him. Younger kids may need extra reassurance, but the suspense doesn’t last long; they’ll soon be laughing again and smiling at Bright’s adorable drawings.
This is a great bedtime story for any child, but I think it would be especially helpful for kids who are afraid of the dark. The author’s bio says that the book was illustrated via solar etching, so “the monster in this book is, quite literally, made of sunshine.” That’s a wonderful way to let kids know that there’s always a little light in the darkness, and I can think of nothing more appropriate for such a sweet and cheery story.
The story does get a bit scary in the middle, though, as Love Monster’s imagination runs wild and he pictures a huge monster with “terrible, twisterly toenails” coming up the stairs to come get him. Younger kids may need extra reassurance, but the suspense doesn’t last long; they’ll soon be laughing again and smiling at Bright’s adorable drawings.
This is a great bedtime story for any child, but I think it would be especially helpful for kids who are afraid of the dark. The author’s bio says that the book was illustrated via solar etching, so “the monster in this book is, quite literally, made of sunshine.” That’s a wonderful way to let kids know that there’s always a little light in the darkness, and I can think of nothing more appropriate for such a sweet and cheery story.
Read
October 12, 2017Summary:
It was becoming very dark in Love Monsters town, Cutesville. And we all know what it means when it becomes dark out, bedtime. Love Monster does his normal bedtime routine, make a cup of hot milk with chocolate sprinkles and he read fifteen and a half bedtime stories. After slowly drifting off to sleep, he would suddenly wake up, again and again. He started to hear sounds, scary sounds. First, it was just the whistling of the wind, then, footsteps! Real footsteps right outside Love Monsters door! After hiding for sometime, he was sick of hiding and decided to be brave, so he turned on his light to find... a bunny. Not just any bunny, his friend bunny who lives across the street. It turns out his adorable bunny friend could not sleep either, and the two fell asleep, not so afraid of the dark anymore.
Activity:
Love Monster was very brave when he decided to get out of his covers and turn on the light. When was a time that you had to conquer your fears and be brave?
APA Citation:
Bright, R. (2016). Love monster and the scary something. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers.
It was becoming very dark in Love Monsters town, Cutesville. And we all know what it means when it becomes dark out, bedtime. Love Monster does his normal bedtime routine, make a cup of hot milk with chocolate sprinkles and he read fifteen and a half bedtime stories. After slowly drifting off to sleep, he would suddenly wake up, again and again. He started to hear sounds, scary sounds. First, it was just the whistling of the wind, then, footsteps! Real footsteps right outside Love Monsters door! After hiding for sometime, he was sick of hiding and decided to be brave, so he turned on his light to find... a bunny. Not just any bunny, his friend bunny who lives across the street. It turns out his adorable bunny friend could not sleep either, and the two fell asleep, not so afraid of the dark anymore.
Activity:
Love Monster was very brave when he decided to get out of his covers and turn on the light. When was a time that you had to conquer your fears and be brave?
APA Citation:
Bright, R. (2016). Love monster and the scary something. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
To było moje pierwsze spotkanie z włochatym, różowym Potworkiem, który nie będę kłamać, skradł moje serduszko!
Na pierwszy rzut – oprawa graficzna. Przepiękne ilustracje, które dla mnie mają nieco nostalgiczny wydźwięk. Kojarzą mi się z kreskówkami na Cartoon Network z lat 2000+ co sprawiło, że jedynie bardziej rozczuliłam się nad historią.
Twarda oprawa, nasycona kolorami. Czy może być lepiej?
Owszem, może!
Książeczka ta bowiem nie jest jedynie cukierkiem dla oczu, ale również balsamem dla duszy najmłodszych. Każdy zmagał się kiedyś z lękiem oraz strachem; w przeróżnych wydaniach. Jedni bali się ciemności inni burzy…
Natomiast Potworek nie może zasnąć. Nie ważne, jak bardzo się stara…noc zaczyna go przerażać. Odgłosy skradania się, drapania…zupełnie, jakby COŚ zbliżało się coraz bardziej i bardziej.
Czy nasz różowy bohater poradzi sobie z własnym lękiem?
Historia ta pomaga oswoić się z lękami i pokazać, ze czasami strach ma jedynie wielkie oczy; a w rzeczywistości… nie ma się zupełnie czego bać!
Na pierwszy rzut – oprawa graficzna. Przepiękne ilustracje, które dla mnie mają nieco nostalgiczny wydźwięk. Kojarzą mi się z kreskówkami na Cartoon Network z lat 2000+ co sprawiło, że jedynie bardziej rozczuliłam się nad historią.
Twarda oprawa, nasycona kolorami. Czy może być lepiej?
Owszem, może!
Książeczka ta bowiem nie jest jedynie cukierkiem dla oczu, ale również balsamem dla duszy najmłodszych. Każdy zmagał się kiedyś z lękiem oraz strachem; w przeróżnych wydaniach. Jedni bali się ciemności inni burzy…
Natomiast Potworek nie może zasnąć. Nie ważne, jak bardzo się stara…noc zaczyna go przerażać. Odgłosy skradania się, drapania…zupełnie, jakby COŚ zbliżało się coraz bardziej i bardziej.
Czy nasz różowy bohater poradzi sobie z własnym lękiem?
Historia ta pomaga oswoić się z lękami i pokazać, ze czasami strach ma jedynie wielkie oczy; a w rzeczywistości… nie ma się zupełnie czego bać!
July 13, 2017
It’s way past bedtime, but Love Monster can’t sleep. He’s done his regular bedtime routine, but he keeps hearing scary sounds that are keeping him from being able to sleep. He can hear something in the yard, then coming into the house, and then coming up the stairs! The Love Monster finally gets the courage to get out a flashlight to see what is causing the noise, only to discover when he faces his fear that there wasn’t anything to be scared of all along.
The build-up might be too scary for some children, but for most children this charming book will be able to help them face their fears, particularly the ones they face in the dark. The adorable monster’s worries are relatable to young children, and the scary something at the end will win the hearts of readers as much as the Love Monster itself does. The bright pages and fun words will help make this book a fun bedtime read for young readers are their parents.
The build-up might be too scary for some children, but for most children this charming book will be able to help them face their fears, particularly the ones they face in the dark. The adorable monster’s worries are relatable to young children, and the scary something at the end will win the hearts of readers as much as the Love Monster itself does. The bright pages and fun words will help make this book a fun bedtime read for young readers are their parents.
October 21, 2018
What a fun book to perform! For sequels, this one does fairly well at establishing its own narrative pattern. I read it to the kids for a Halloween Reading Time, and it lived up to its spooky potential. I love the original as well, but I had read the original and I had to suppose that some kids had not. Does Love Monster stand alone as a character with having been cured into his originality? I think so. It’s sequel-ness is the only flaw of an otherwise cute, spooky, and narratively delicious book.
P.S. I love how Bright creates words and plays with language, which is one reason why I think this series stands out.
P.S. I love how Bright creates words and plays with language, which is one reason why I think this series stands out.
May 9, 2019
I wasn't as in love with the previous Love Monster books as the first 2, and this one works as the middle ground between them. Just like the last book, there weren't a lot of connections with the first 2 books, but it feels more coherent with the 3rd one. I liked the playfully spooky elements of the book and it would work wonderfully as a read aloud.
For: fans of monsters or readers looking for a (sort of) scary book about facing one's fears.
Possible red flags: some may find too anxiety inducing.
For: fans of monsters or readers looking for a (sort of) scary book about facing one's fears.
Possible red flags: some may find too anxiety inducing.
March 2, 2018
(picture book). This story was a lot like "The Dark," by Lemony Snicket, but it wasn't told quite as artfully. I did like the use of the scary looking text and the effect of increasing the size of the text as the scary thing got closer and closer. The one thing I did't like about this story is, where Lemony Snicket implies through the illustrations and the text that your fears can be driven away by taking a risk and facing them, this book outright says, when you face your fears, they don't seem as scary at all. Something about an underlying message makes the message even more meaningful, especially when you have the ability to see between the lines. But for a quick story before bedtime, this book is ok.
September 27, 2020
Cute, fun, and (only a little) scary! My 3-year old and I loved the sweet illustrations to counter the maybe-just-a-little-bit scary text building up to the adorable, perfect climax! Strong narrative voice and great use of language and font to support the story. Definitely our favorite of the Love Monster books.
June 24, 2023
Goldilocks and anyone who behaves like her is wrong, scary, and rude, not matter how cute. And the imaginary monster that is depicted will cause, not ease, nightmares. I do not understand the appeal of this at all. (Well, except for art and design details, like the times on the bedside clock, and the font styles.)
April 21, 2024
It's way past bedtime in Cutesville, but Love Monster after going through his bedtime ritual is having a hard time falling asleep. The sounds of the night become louder and scarier the longer Love Monster stays woke. Suddenly something or someone is in the house with Love Monster, and when he goes to investigate he's taken by surprise what awaits him.
October 22, 2018
3 stars: 2 for text, 1 for the illus.
Meh. Cutesville is an actual place in this book, that's enough to remove another star. Cute enough illustrations but the big-small-big text/font is not easily readable.
Meh. Cutesville is an actual place in this book, that's enough to remove another star. Cute enough illustrations but the big-small-big text/font is not easily readable.
August 6, 2019
Such a fun book. James found it in the library and loved it. For a three year old, it was an exciting thriller followed by relief and giggles. We re-read it several times at the library and I've jotted it down to get it again around Halloween.
September 22, 2020
This is one of my favorite books - [ILLUSTRATED] - It's great to teach students in my Art Room creativity, imagination, and emotional development of a character & They love the story line(s). Great books!
May 7, 2017
This book made me think of the little monster in my life that is often scared of many different things in the middle of the night.
May 23, 2017
Very cute story about a monster who is afraid of the dark...and something that is creeping up the stairs.....
Great for a spooky story time.
Great for a spooky story time.
August 22, 2017
This is an adorable book about a cute monster facing his fears of nighttime. This would be great for anyone scared of the dark. Really cute illustrations too!
August 30, 2017
"...sometimes, it's only when you're brave enough to face what you're afraid of...that you find out there was nothing to be scared of, after all."
LOVE!
LOVE!
August 31, 2018
Fun for both a friendship theme and a monster theme story time.
December 12, 2017
My monster obsessed little girl LOVES this book.
February 4, 2018
Great book
My sons loved this suspenseful, sweet tale of bravery and friendship. We have read it over and over since our purchase.
My sons loved this suspenseful, sweet tale of bravery and friendship. We have read it over and over since our purchase.
April 6, 2018
Cute book had my two year olds in awe
February 19, 2019
Love Monster is hearing something scary because he can't sleep. Cute story about his night.
January 3, 2019
Cute book for fans of love monster stories, though there’s a spooky passage (as the title implies.)
June 26, 2019
A nice addition to the Love Monster series. Love Monster is having trouble falling asleep when he hears a noise. What could it be? A good book about friendship and facing fears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews