Julia's House for Lost Creatures

This book (and its two sequels) presents a place where all sorts of monsters and unwanted creepy-crawlies can find shelter and a home—Julia’s house.

It’s a book about inclusion and acceptance and maybe even some bad manners. All of Ben Hatke’s books are smartly told and beautifully drawn (Zita te Space Girl, Mighty Jack, Nobody Likes a Goblin)—but even with a simple story, the magic on every page is evident, and one can linger on the pictures well past the time it takes to read the words. 

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.