36 months - great Monster drawings but the story really wasn't all that inspired. ( )

This book was about monsters who are doing everyday things like running and tumbling. Eventually, just like kids, the monsters become worn out and need to rest. I think kids would appreciate the illustrations and rhyming throughout the story. ( )

"Monsters creep, Monsters crawl, / Over the meadow, And up the wall," begins this monstrous bedtime book from the prolific Jane Yolen, with artwork by Kelly Murphy. The simple sing-song narrative, which follows two particular monsters as they make their way home one evening, gives way to onomatopoeic play at the end, as the two little creatures toss and turn in bed, until finally... well, the inevitable happens.

Chosen as one of our October selections in the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "witches and monsters," Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters is more on the sweet, than the scary side. The illustrations, done in oil, acrylic and gel(?), are lots of fun, with a cute, cartoon-like style that won me over. The narrative makes for good reading aloud, until the final section, which felt rather tacked on to me. Still, I can see some young kids getting a kick out of this one, as long as they aren't put off by the "monsters" bit. ( )

Yolen, J. (2011). Creepy monsters, sleepy monsters. (Ill. by Kelly Murphy.) Candlewick. 32 pp. ISBN: 0763642010. (hardcover) $11.18.

Creep, gurgle, crawl, and tumble! Meet two young monsters who are far from scary -- they are too busy having fun. Young children and parents alike will find much to identify with as they follow these lovable little monsters getting ready for bed. With wildly colorful illustrations full of whimsy and warmth, Kelly Murphy brings Yolen’s gently rhyming tale to life! The large fonts and delightful rhyming pattern will help engage readers. This book would be a great help for children who are afraid of the dark, with friendly images, it makes it a great way to talk about how monsters are harmless because they are just like we are! - Michelle Angel

Simple text ... ( )