October is the month of tricks and treats. And it’s never too soon to encourage children to enjoy a book that goes bump in the night! Scaly, smelly and scary … they’ll meet all kinds of crazy and colourful characters in these monstrous books. Terrible tales from Penguin Books, which will have imaginations running wild and characters running for cover!
You never know what excitement awaits you when you open a new book – and inside There’s a Monster in Your Book there is a big surprise! A monster is trapped in the pages of Tom Fletcher’s interactive picture book and he needs help to be set free. Tilt it, spin it and shake it to make sure he’s released before bedtime. Recommended reading age: 3-6 years old.
It’s lucky the monsters in this zoo are behind bars because you would not want them roaming free. In this fun book, it’s down to one little boy to tame these freaky creatures. Will he be able to survive one day looking after them all? Hilarious and filled with striking illustrations, Do Not Enter The Monster Zoo by Amy Sparkes is a great introduction to all things monstrous! Recommended reading age: 3-5 years old. 
Watch out! A hungry monster has set his sights on your house and is embarking on a journey through forest and mountains to get to you. Do you run and hide, or wait and see what he really wants? Maybe he’s actually lonely and just wants a big, sloppy goodnight kiss… Prepare to be taken on a scary, then soppy rollercoaster ride in Bedtime for Monsters, Ed Vere’s funny and colourful picture book. Recommended reading age: 3-5 years old.
You may want to have a bath after reading Morris the Mankiest Monster by Giles Andreae. In this stomach-turning tale you’ll be introduced to the disgusting, yet charming Morris. He has revolting habits including flossing his teeth with slugs and growing potatoes out of his pants. But we know that won’t stop you falling in love with him! Written in playful rhymes alongside pretty gross illustrations, this picture book will leave you feeling icky and sticky but laughing. Recommended reading age: 3-5 years old. All from Penguin Books.
Written specifically for bedtime, Ten Minutes to Bed Little Monster by Rhiannon Fielding is full of magic, big paws, fluffy fur and little claws! Weaving a journey from lively beginning to gentle end, the 10-minute countdown to bed is at the heart of this enchanting story. But will Belch the monster get to bed on time? This beautifully illustrated picture book is the perfect length for sending little ones off to sleep. Ideal for 3 to 6 years old.
Oh yay … a new adventure with the mischievous shape-shifting Boggart. Emily and Jess, their old friend Tommy and Mr Maconochie, the new owner of the castle, are on an exploration of Loch Ness to look for the mystery monster. Together the group must make it their mission to stop a high-tech expedition from discovering the beast. The Boggart and the Monster by Susan Cooper is a brilliant story that sees ancient folklore meet modern technology. Perfect for 9 to 11 year olds.
When a storm washes an egg up on a beach, siblings Angus and Kirstie take it home to find out what’s inside. When it hatches in the bath, the creature is unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Their new pet has a horse’s head, warty skin, four flippers and a crocodile’s tail! It starts off small but then begins to grow and grow, until it really does become a monster, and is in need of a much bigger home! The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith is recommended for 7 to 9 year olds.
The Half-Continent is full of monsters and villains, and it’s Rossamund’s job to light the way for travellers brave enough to venture there. He begins his journey as a Lamplighter to the great city of High Vesting, carrying only a battered almanac and some potions. Will they be enough to defeat the deadly creatures and get him there safely? D. M. Cornish’s Monster Blood Tattoo: Foundling is sure to leave you wanting more, which is lucky because this is a trilogy. For 9 to11 year olds
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan is an illustrative adaptation of his second title in the series, and follows our favourite demigod as he tries to save Camp Half-Blood from monsters. Fans of the son of Poseidon will pore over the stunning artwork in this graphic novel which brings the 13-year-old and the creatures he encounters to life in vivid detail. Great for 10 to 15 years old.
