There Are Monsters Everywhere

My son fears monsters so we got this book. To kids, these monsters are very real no matter what we tell them so that makes this a great story from the child's point of view. He never really sees them, but he "knows" they're there. He learns karate and feels more confident, and the monsters go away. My son loved it, related to it, and felt more confident himself after reading it and discovering that monsters CAN be scared away. He even sleeps in his own bed now!

Reviewed by Conner Agurene (age 3) and Mom for Reader Reviews (12/07) At some point in his or her life, every kid growing up wonders if there are monsters lurking about. Our hero knows there are monsters in his house, even though they hide when Mom or Dad is around. But one day, our hero finds a solution that gives him confidence to face down any monster. "Conner, did you like the book?" "Yes!" "What did you like about it?" "I liked everything. All the monsters!" "Are you scared of monsters?" " No, monsters are not anywhere . . . They are somewhere, but it aren't scary." "Do you have a favorite monster?" "I like all of them. The one with the duck was funny." "Would you like to take karate?" "Yes, because I like the punching." "Would you take out the trash for Mommy?" "No, because I don't want to see any monsters." Parent's comments: Mercer Mayer has a delightful way of treating a very scary and serious subject for little kids. Though there WERE monsters everywhere (my son loved pointing them out), they were all drawn with personable characteristics, such as wearing broken wristwatches, band-aids, braces, and glasses. His illustrations in "There Are Monsters Everywhere" are very humorous and help ease the scariness of monsters. I look forward to reading his other work, "There's a Nightmare in My Closet."

I just have to say that it is important that you do not consider the foolish review prior to this one. My daughter LOVES Mercer Mayer books. This book is just one of his wonderful works for children. We enjoy the storyline and the Illustrations, they have always been consistantly superb. This is a daily and nightly routine for us, to read and look at the pictures. She has not EVER had a nightmare! LOL My daughter is FAR from frightened by these books by M.M.. If anything, they have showed her that "monsters" are not harmful or even real..for that matter. I (very key word here, because as parents WE are responsible for their main influence in everyway) teach her that we must always be alert and aware of our surroundings and the REAL dangers of the World. She is now 3 years old and it is entirely appropriate and FUN! Also, as for violence and that being the "answer"..WOW!! So far from it. There is not a shred of VIOLENCE! I don't think it points out a wrong or right approach..just one boys! PLEASE, consider this book. You and your child will be glad you did.

While this book does not say monsters are a figment of a child's imagination, it is a great kid's book. I have two boys and they both love it, despite one of them being frightened of virtually everything. Rather than telling kids monsters don't exist, which no monster-fearing kid will believe anyway, this book demonstrates how one boy found a way to overcome his fears and scare them off himself (he took karate lessons). Don't let the other reviewer scare you off...it's a good book that will not give a kid nightmares, even those who are fearful of monsters. It might however leave them begging for karate lessons.