Monster Books for Kids: Not Scary Year-Round and Halloween Reads
During Halloween or all year long, monsters hold strong appeal to kids. That’s why we wanted to round up our favorite monster books for kids.
For some kids, monsters can be scary. However, there are some great monster books that teach about love, friendship, and kindness.
Are hope is that these monster books will help kids scared of monsters be a little less scared, and those who love monsters get
To see all our Halloween book lists for kids and adults, movie suggestions, and more, head to the Halloween Book Lists!
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Baby Monster Books
Birthday Monsters by Sandra Boyton
Sandra Boyton’s delightful illustrations and silly prose tell the story of these party-crashing monsters.
The perfect book to laugh about birthdays all year long!
I Love You, Stink Face
Author: Lisa McCord
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Year: 2003
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Stinky Face series
Plot
his story is all about a mother’s love. Whether the baby is an alligator, a swamp creature, a one-eyed monster, or an alien, the mother in this tale shows a way to love her child!
Why Jackie loves it
This grossly-cute board book is a lovely bedtime story for the little monster in your life.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Bedtime Stories / Monster Books for Kids
Tickle Monster
Author: Josie Bissett
Illustrator: Kevan J. Atteberry
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
This baby monster book is a wonderfully interactive picture book for kids. As you read it, it instructs you where to tickle your child! When you read this book to your little one, you get to tickle and they get to laugh. After all, laughter and books should go together.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sold individually or as a kit, I recommend the kit for the fun tickle monster gloves. Put on the gloves and tickle along with the tickle monsters. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers alike love this one. Be warned – it’s not great for bedtime because it can get kids in quite a goofy mood.
Important note: Some children love being tickled while others do not. Take cues from your child.
Find this book in: Interactive Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Monster Books for Kids / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Monster Books for Toddlers
The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone
Is there a monster that is sweeter than Grover? Probably not. This book is a favorite with toddlers for years because the scary monster at the end of the book is none other than Grover himself.
The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber
What happens when a monster loses his mean? He may find out who his real friends are!
This monster picture books has adorable illustrations and funny rhymes that will keep even the pickiest toddlers entertained.
Love Monster
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Rachel Bright
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Love Monster series
Plot
Everyone needs love and everyone should be loved for exactly who they are. Monster goes out on a mission to find just that in this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Love Monster is a great book for a 3-year-old monster fan, particularly around Valentine’s Day!
Find this book in: Valentine’s Day Books for Toddlers / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Monster Books for Kids
Classic Kids Monster Books
Where the Wild Things
Author: Maurice Sendak
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Year: 1963
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 100
More info: Caldecott MedalWinner
Plot
Maurice Sendek explores the amazing power of imagination in this classic kids’ book about monsters. When Max gets upset with his parents, he imagines traveling to a world to be the kids of the monsters.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this book, the illustrations, and the message within the pages. When Max finally decides to come home, his dinner is waiting for him and it’s still hot. This act of love always touched me. Really this is a book that shows a parent’s unconditional love for their child.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Classic Books for Kids / Monster Books for Kids
Go Away Big Green Monster
Author: Ed Emberly
Illustrator: Ed Emberly
Year: 1993
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
What a wonderful way to explore fears. As children turn the pages of this book, they are in charge. They can build the big green monster and tell him to go away.Â
Why Jackie loves it
This book is so helpful for kids who may not be able to express their fears but, it can help them conquer them just the same.
Find this book in: Monster Books / Books for a 3-year-old / Books about Feelings
The Gruffalo
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2005
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
This book is another classic in our house. Mouse proves that a little bit of brain is all you need when faced with a whole lot of muscle. We adore this rhyming wonder.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is this book written in rhyme, but it is funny as well. It also has a very strong message about brains vs. brawn as well as bullying.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Animal Children’s Books / Best Books for 5-Year-Olds / Monster Books for Kids
There’s a Nightmare in my Closet by Mercer Meyer
I love this classic that also looks at childhood fears. The illustrations are adorable and the book is so sweet.
It’s all about a little boy who faces down the monster in his closet and makes friends with it.
Monster Picture Books
Hattie and Hudson
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
Although this is the first book by Mr. Van Dusen that does not rhyme (and also features a female main character), the story is enhanced by the wonderful friendship that develops between Hattie and Hudson. Hudson is a lake monster and Hattie is his first human friend. Hattie works to show all the townspeople not to be scared of her new friend.
Why Jackie loves it
Chris Van Dusen can do no wrong in my world, and this book is no exception. The sweet charms of Hattie and Hudson come alive with Van Dusen’s illustrations and the story is so sentimental.
Find this book in: Monster Books for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
Leonardo faces a choice that we all face at some point (metaphorically speaking)- be a great monster or be a great friend? I adore Mo Willems and this book is no exception. It cracks me up every time.
How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
A child dressed as a ninja decides to catch the monster in his room once and for all, but it turns out the monster wants nothing more than to be friends!
My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown
A funny picture book by Peter Brown all about a boy who thinks his teacher is a monster, until he meets her at a park on fateful day.
Is Ms. Kirby a monster after all?
Halloween Monster Books
Monster Party! by Annie Bach
It’s a monster bash filled with tons of monsters! Celebrate Halloween with fun band of monsters at this monster party.
This is particularly good for kids who struggle to leave parties, they might find a monster friend in this book who shares their disappointment.
Monster Munch
Author: Allison Black
Illustrator: Allison Black
Year: 2021
Genre: Board Book
Age: 3-6
Plot
Ghost is throwing a party and the monsters need a snack. Good thing they have lots of traditional Halloween snacks to munch on.
Why Kirsten loves it
This interactive Halloween book for toddlers is the perfect book for Halloween! I love all the pull tabs that make it look like the monsters are eating the candy.
Find this book in: Toddler Halloween Books / Monster Books
Trick or Treat, Crankenstein
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 9
More info: Crankenstein #3
Plot
Crankenstein is back with a Halloween adventure. Crankenstein’s favorite holiday is ruined because of all kinds of pumpkin, costume, and candy-induced problems. Can Crankenstein get over his bad mood and turn this holiday around?
Why Kirsten loves it
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite children’s books about Halloween. I think it’s the best of the Crankenstein series!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Monster Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds
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