The Best Picture Books about Not-So-Scary Monsters

recommended by Karen Kennedy, mother of two

Monsters are scary for young children, but these books star monsters that turn out to be not so scary, after all. Reading them can be a fun way to triumph over the scary monsters at your house.

Where the Wild Things Are

illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Amazon readers say:

"My favorite children's book ever."
"If you haven't already, introduce your child to Max."
"Withstands time, amazingly illustrated."
"Must-have classic."

48 page paperback |$8.95 |354 reviews

This book also appears on Peter Steinberg's Favorite Children's Books
 
 

Go Away, Big Green Monster!

by Edward R. Emberley

Amazon readers say:

"An amazing book for english language learners."
"Know someone who thinks there's something alive under the bed?"
"My 2-year-old has this one memorized!"
"Excellent book for language development."

32 page hardcover |$8.61 |63 reviews

 
 

The Monster at the End of This Book

by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin

Amazon readers say:

"A great book... absolutely brilliant."
"Will be read over and over and over!"
"This book is so good that my grown children still love it!"
"A classic of modern philosophy."

24 page hardcover |$2.99 |158 reviews

 
 

There's a Nightmare in My Closet

by Mercer Mayer

Amazon readers say:

"A monster as a pal."
"How to overcome your fear of the dark -- for preschoolers."
"My two year old's fave book."
"Had me rolling on the floor when I was four."

32 page paperback |$7.99 |35 reviews

 

Know any books we should add to the list above? .

 
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