Why am I passionate about this?

I’m fascinated with monsters. Always have been. But in a weird way. I was never a scare seeker. I sought out the unique monsters, not the traditional werewolves and vampires. I related to the creatures who were more human than the humans. The ones that struggled to fit in, but if you took the time to get to know them, they were more interesting than anyone you had ever encountered before. And I think that’s a theme I use in my stories. Overcoming your fear of things that are strange or different can open wondrous new worlds.


I wrote

Monster Chefs

By Brian Anderson,

Book cover of Monster Chefs

What is my book about?

The horribly horrible monster king summoned his four equally horrible chefs. "I am tired of eating only eyeballs and ketchup,"…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Wolves in the Walls

Brian Anderson Why did I love this book?

This is my all-time favorite book! It’s odd, quirky, and unpredictable. While not technically monsters, the wolves are terrifying…at first. You feel the helplessness of the characters, but rest assured, you cheer when they get a handle on the situation. This is a one-of-a-kind story that you’ll want to share with your entire family.

By Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wolves in the Walls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

"Gaiman does here for the older picture-book set what he did for middle-grade readers with Coraline." —Kirkus (starred review)

Lucy is sure there are wolves living in the walls of their house—and, as everybody says, if the wolves come out of the walls, it's all over. Her family doesn't believe her. Then one day, the wolves come out.

But it's not all over. Instead, Lucy's battle with the wolves is only just beginning.

There are sneaking, creeping, crumpling noises coming from inside the walls...

This New York Times Best Illustrated Book combines a deliciously creepy tale, a strong heroine, and…


Book cover of Bonaparte Falls Apart

Brian Anderson Why did I love this book?

This one oozes adorableness. But it’s more than just cute. It’s a story about a young skeleton who is literally falling apart. Everyone, myself included, can relate to those awkward times. The best part is that his friends help him pull together. Of course, that means lots of silly hijinks, but you’ll get the feels from this story as you read it to your kids.

By Margery Cuyler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bonaparte Falls Apart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Carve out family time for this clever and humorous picture book about a skeleton who is falling to pieces that needs help pulling himself together.
 
Bonaparte is having a tough time. It’s hard for this young skeleton to just hang loose when he can’t keep hold of himself.
 
When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose?

Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Blacky Widow, and Mummicula all have some bonehead…


Ad

Book cover of The Nameless Throne

The Nameless Throne By Lisa Cassidy,

An ambitious orphan. A ruthless warlord. An impossible destiny.

Arya Nameless is a lowly Raider posted to an isolated fort in the most dangerous place in Dunidaen. She has few prospects, and as much as she loves her fellow soldiers, she burns for more—more control, more autonomy, more power.

When…

Book cover of Looking for a Jumbie

Brian Anderson Why did I love this book?

When I was a kid I loved looking for monsters. When we drove through the New England woods, I would stare between the trees, convinced I would glimpse a shadowy creature. This book brought back lots of memories. As this book shows, you learn a lot about yourself when you go looking for things that you shouldn’t. 

By Tracey Baptiste, Amber Ren (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Looking for a Jumbie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste and acclaimed illustrator Amber Ren take readers on a fun, creepy, storytime-ready romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore.

I'm looking for a jumbie, I'm going to find a scary one.

But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself.

No such thing, say the friends she makes along the way.

But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends....…


Book cover of Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Brian Anderson Why did I love this book?

Aside from the stellar art and character design, this is the type of book that enthralls kids. It has an imaginative premise and the chaos builds and builds. I’m partial to picture books that immerse you in a unique world. This does that quite well. Also, the sound effect words in this book make it a blast to read aloud. 

By Ben Hatke,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Julia's House for Lost Creatures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Julia's housemates have to do their chores - even if they're fairies, goblins, mermaids, and dragons! When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighbourhood except how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: "Julia's House for Lost Creatures." Soon she's hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet isn't a problem anymore for Julia...but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!


Ad

Book cover of Stormwalker Series Connections In Time Bain's Story Book 1

Stormwalker Series Connections In Time Bain's Story Book 1 By S.G. Boudreaux,

Finding Family, Discovery, Destiny. This is what nineteen-year-old Bain Brinley is searching for.

In his homeland, far in the mountains, he stepped into what he could only describe as a time-portal and landed in a strange land known as Egypt. Then he falls through another portal during a storm, only…

Book cover of I Will Fight Monsters for You

Brian Anderson Why did I love this book?

Books teaching kids not to be afraid of the dark can be cliched and a bit preachy. I stay away from books that “talk” to kids. However, while this book does deal with fear and bravery, it does so in a subtle way and feels genuine. The lessons come from the characters and not the writer. This is a sweet story and you will find yourself rooting for Martina.

By Santi Balmes, Lyona (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Will Fight Monsters for You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Two little girls―one human and the other a monster―are afraid to go to sleep for fear of what's living under their beds.

What if an entire world of MONSTERS lived underneath your floor? Martina is having trouble sleeping because she is afraid monsters might break through the floor and bring her into the monster world where she'll have to learn how to scare humans. Meanwhile, Anitram, a little girl monster, is also having trouble sleeping. There's a noisy little human jumping on the bed in the upside-down world under her floor! Martina and Anitram have more in common than they…


Explore my book 😀

Monster Chefs

By Brian Anderson,

Book cover of Monster Chefs

What is my book about?

The horribly horrible monster king summoned his four equally horrible chefs. "I am tired of eating only eyeballs and ketchup," roared the king. "Find me something new to eat or you will find yourselves on my menu!" Trembling with fear, they each set off in a different direction to look for something truly scrumptious. But what, besides eyeballs and ketchup, could a monster king possibly want to eat? A rabbit? A fish? A snake? What one finally brings back may change dinnertime in the kingdom forever.

“Little monsters following along at home will also likely clamor to try out their baking skills.” ―BCCB

Book cover of The Wolves in the Walls
Book cover of Bonaparte Falls Apart
Book cover of Looking for a Jumbie

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,588

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 You might also like…

Book cover of Unreachable Skies

Unreachable Skies By Karen McCreedy,

This book (and its sequels) are about overcoming the odds; about learning to improve the skills and abilities you have, rather than dwelling on what you can't do. Conflict, plague, and scheming politicians are all featured along the way–but none of the characters are human!

Book cover of Dragon Disciples: Resurrection

Dragon Disciples By Christina Weigand, Rhomda Chieduch (editor),

When the head of an ancient Samaritan family is injured, it throws the family into turmoil. There isn’t enough money to pay the hefty Roman taxes.

The daughter, Chana, is taken as compensation and forced into slavery inside a cruel centurion’s home. As a slave, Chana witnesses the miracles of…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in bedtime, monsters, and magic-supernatural?

Bedtime 40 books
Monsters 173 books
Magic-Supernatural 670 books