Friendly Monsters, Dragons, and more–Children’s books that bring good feeling
I have an incredible dislike of Hallowe’en. I know that it can be fun for many kids–at least the candy part. But the gruesome decorations in stores, the violent and bloody movies and tv shows, and some of the costumes–they all remind me of violence. I know violence first hand, having grown up with extreme abuse. I don’t like being scared. And I just do not understand people enjoying fake bloody violence. It doesn’t work on any level for me. So usually I just avoid the whole Hallowe’en issue. Try not to see the displays. Et cetera.
So it was a delight for me to read Adrienne’s post where she pulls together a number of empowering picture books for children that feature monsters and whatnot–books that are meant to encourage, not to scare or gross anyone out. Check out her post; it’s got some great books!
Adrienne’s post made me realize that I can put together something positive for this time of year. Something similar (I hope Adrienne doesn’t mind). My own positive monsters or potentially scary characters that aren’t scary, but reassuring.
Here’s my list of some of my favorites:
  |
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster (ALA Notable Children’s Books) by Mo WillemsA fantastic story for anyone who’s scared of monsters or other fears. This little monster is supposed to be scary, but he isn’t.
Read my review here |
  |
There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon (A Golden Classic) by Jack KentFor anyone who’s scared of dragons, or loves them, and for anyone who needs to face a fear or something they don’t want to look at. Billy discovers a little dragon in his house, but his mother refuses to admit that the dragon exists. Each time Billy and his mother ignore the dragon, it grows larger and larger–until finally Billy acknowledges the dragon, and it shrinks back down to a cute, tiny dragon.
Read my review here |
  |
Lights Out by Arthur GeisertFor anyone who’s scared of the dark. This little pig creates an elaborate contraption to have the lights turned out when he’s ready.
Read my review here |
  |
The Lamb Who Came for Dinner by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Joelle Dreidemy.For anyone who dislikes Little Red Riding Hood, or fears wolves or any predator. This hungry wolf starts out wanting to eat the little lamb, but finds himself feeling protective and loving of her.
Read my review here |
  |
Five Little Fiends by Sarah DyerFor anyone who’s ever felt alone or isolated in their grumpiness or pain. These little fiends start out wanting to take the world around them and not share it with anyone, but soon realize that sharing makes it better. Read my review here |
  |
Guji Guji by Chih-Yuan ChenFor anyone who’s afraid of peer pressure, or that they might turn out like an abusive or bully person in their life. Guji Guji is a crocodile that was brought up by a goose, and he thinks he’s a goose. So even when the mean crocodiles try to make him capture all his goose family to eat, Guji Guji listens to his heart. Read my review here |
  |
Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale by Barbara Jean Hicks, illustrated by Alexis Deacon For anyone who’s scared of monsters. This little monster is scared of humans, until he and a human boy meet and become friends. Beautiful illustrations.
|
  |
The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael SmollinFor anyone who’s scared of monsters. Grover the Monster is a friendly monster who’s heard that there’s going to be a monster at the end of the book. He is so scared that, each page, he creates hilarious attempts to try to stop the reader from turning the page and reaching the end of the book. But at the end of the book, there is just sweet, loveable Grover monster, and Grover realizes he’s not scared any more. |
I hope you’ll check out some of these books; they’re all wonderful.
October 25th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Thanks for linking to me and chiming in! I love your choices, particularly The Monster at the End of this Book and Lights Out (Arthur Geisert ROCKS).
October 25th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Thanks, Adrienne. I love your choices, too! And yeah, Geisert has some amazing stuff. And i love the Monster at the End of This Book, too. It’s so well written and funny!
October 26th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Great books! I LOVE There’s A Monster at the End of This Book.
Lights Out is incredibly creative.
And There\’s No Such Thing as A Dragon may be one of my very favorite books of all time. It\’s finally back in print.
-Susan
October 26th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Thanks, Susan. I love those books, too! Especially There’s a Monster at the End of This Book. And I’m also delighted that There’s NO Such Thing As a Dragon is back in print.
It’s neat finding other people who enjoy some of the same books. 
Cheryl
March 7th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
How about Where the Wild Things Are? Not too scary, is it?
March 8th, 2009 at 4:51 am
Parker P, Where the Wild Things Are is a wonderful book! It actually scared me as a kid, but I love it now.