The Night Monster

Beautifully written by Sushree Mishra and stunningly illustrated by Sanket Pethkar...The story is the real star here, one that can help make your child’s nighttime so much easier...Highly recommended read for kids aged 4-9. It is also a great read-aloud book to younger kids. ~Indian Moms Connect

I really liked the loving relationship between Avi and Swati, especially since she doesn’t belittle either her younger brother or his fears. The art work is dark and dreamlike, perfect for this story. The perspective is large and a couple of the letters have flaps to lift both of which serve to draw the reader even more into the story. ~Youth Services Press

Engagingly written by educator, storyteller, and reading specialist Sushree Mishra, and strikingly illustrated by artist Sanket Pethkar, "The Night Monster" is hardcover picture book about a child's night-time fears. A memorable and original picture book story for children ages 4 to 9 that's relatable and unforgettable. Of special note are the epistolary elements with a lift-the-flap feature. Certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, "The Night Monster" is unreservedly recommended. ~Midwest Book Review

Avi tells his sister, Swati, that he’s scared of a monster at night. Swati suggests that Avi write a the monster a letter. To his surprise, the monster (who is actually the big sister) writes back. “The shadows are my friends. They don’t want to scare you. They just play with each other. I don’t make the hoot hoot noises. It is my friend Owl. She doesn’t want to scare you. She just likes to sing in the night.” Back and forth (with some lift-the-flaps) Avi and the not-a-monster communicate. Avi soon realizes that the night is not a monster. In fact, he waits for the night to bring him sweet dreams. I love reading about this kind sister who thought of a way to help her brother’s fears! Not to mention, this story reminds me that knowledge can be powerful. Knowing about nocturnal animals, for example, alleviated some of Avi’s fears. ~Imagination Soup

The Night Monster is the story of a young boy who has trouble sleeping because he is afraid of many things associated with night: shadows, noises, his curtains moving. He tells his sister that there is a night monster. She suggests he draw a picture of the monster and lock it away in a box. He does, but he is still afraid, so she suggests that he write a letter to the monster. The monster replies to him, saying that it is not a monster. The two write letters back and forth, discussing the night things that scare the boy. In the end, the boy is no longer afraid of the night – and we discover that it was his sister who was writing the monster’s replies.There is so much to love about this book! It’s such a great idea: writing to what you fear. I think this is a helpful exercise for kids. The illustrations are artistic and interesting. Some of the letters are part of the pictures, some are flaps to open. The letters are my favorite part. ~Lisa Parker, Manhattan Book Review

A sweet tale of a child who overcomes his fear of the darkness that hoots and the shadows that creep while the curtains dance. ~Lauren Paletta, Lane Public Library, Hamilton, Ohio

"This book is original, it has engaging flaps, a fresh color palette and is very fun to read aloud. I would highly recommend and will be purchasing."
- Ran Flasterstein, Peekaboo Studios ~Ran Flasterstein, Peekaboo Studios

"This was honestly a delightful [story]. The art picks up where the words leave off in a perfect balance so that you know exactly how Avi’s fears are manifesting and also how much of a safe harbor he finds in his sister’s love...[a] wonderful story that explores fear and how you can conquer it, especially with loved ones lending a helping hand.” - Book Riot ~Book Riot

"The dark, moody illustrations are the perfect fit for the slightly eerie text at the beginning, lightening up as the mood changes by the end of the story. Originally published in India and winner of the Jarul Book Children’s Choice Award, this is a beautiful book that deserves a place in every library." ~Children's Lit Newsletter