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If Your Monster Won't Go To Bed
If you have a monster that won’t go to bed, don’t bother asking your parents to help. They know a lot about putting kids to bed, but nothing about putting monsters to bed. It’s not their fault; they’re just not good at it. Read this book instead.
It will tell you what to feed your monster before bed (it’s not warm milk), and what to sing to your monster (it’s not a soothing lullaby), and what to read to your monster to send him off to dreamland in no time (the scarier, the better).
It will tell you what to feed your monster before bed (it’s not warm milk), and what to sing to your monster (it’s not a soothing lullaby), and what to read to your monster to send him off to dreamland in no time (the scarier, the better).
40 pages, Library Binding
First published March 14, 2017
16 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Denise Vega
14 books128 followersI've been writing since I was a kid but it took awhile to get published-I had to work at improving my craft! Click Here was the sixth novel I'd written, the first to be accepted for publication. It went on to become a bestselling title for the Scholastic Book Fairs/Clubs, won the Colorado Book Award for Young Adult Literature, and was a 2008 Louisiana Reader’s Choice Nominee. I was excited and nervous to write Access Denied, the sequel to Click Here, because so many readers have written to tell me how much they loved it. But luckily my readers have really liked it - whew. Fact of Life #31 won the Colorado Top Hand Award and the Colorado Book Award for Young Adult Literature. My newest book, ROCK ON, which was so much fun to write. Other stuff about me: I'm a Co-Regional Advisor of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI and enjoy giving back in that way. I love french fries and can't stand cheese so if you want to make me dinner, leave that stuff out of it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program in the hopes that I would leave an honest review.
This is a super cute story about how to get your monster to go to bed. From a parent's perspective, it's basically a silly bedtime routine, just made gross for monsters. While I haven't read it a hundred times yet, I'm pretty sure it's a book I won't mind reading over and over, within reason of course. The story was just fun to read.
The illustrations were very colorful, largely because of the monster. He's very pretty. They were also on the simple side with not a lot going on in each frame, but that just helps to keep them from being too much of a distraction from the story. And while it's not an issue for my family (my kids will see themselves represented everywhere), I love that the main character is a person of color. And it looks to me like the monster's horns(?) mirror it's kids hair, which I thought was a nice touch. There is diversity amongst the characters within the story too (when we see more than just the girl and her monster).
Read the rest of the review on my blog (and also watch my 6 year olds video review where she gives the book 100 out of 5 stars.) --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
This is a super cute story about how to get your monster to go to bed. From a parent's perspective, it's basically a silly bedtime routine, just made gross for monsters. While I haven't read it a hundred times yet, I'm pretty sure it's a book I won't mind reading over and over, within reason of course. The story was just fun to read.
The illustrations were very colorful, largely because of the monster. He's very pretty. They were also on the simple side with not a lot going on in each frame, but that just helps to keep them from being too much of a distraction from the story. And while it's not an issue for my family (my kids will see themselves represented everywhere), I love that the main character is a person of color. And it looks to me like the monster's horns(?) mirror it's kids hair, which I thought was a nice touch. There is diversity amongst the characters within the story too (when we see more than just the girl and her monster).
Read the rest of the review on my blog (and also watch my 6 year olds video review where she gives the book 100 out of 5 stars.) --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
August 15, 2017
Such a cute and witty story! A how-to on monster management, in particular about getting a fussy monster to bed so he can perform at his most optimum level of expertise. Scaring. Lovely illustrations and rhymes.
June 22, 2017
The thing about this one, funny as it is and shout-out for including interracial parents, is that about halfway through the narrative it switches to a handwritten type which I think will be very difficult for children to follow along with or decipher on their own. There are also a couple places where the narrative trails off but it is hard to understand what the author is trying to imply. Ultimately, there are better monster/kid books to grab off the shelf.
April 6, 2017
HILARIOUS. A perfect balance of gross-out moments and silliness that had my storytime kids laughing until the very end. Ohora's illustrations are brightly playful and perfectly fit Vega's goofiness.
March 15, 2022
Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children/Picture Books
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children/Picture Books
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
March 23, 2017
The big, colorful monster won me over. Zachariah Ohora's illustrations make this book a winner!
May 23, 2017
Vibrant art, but the story never clicks.
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March 4, 2021I liked the story and I loved the pictures! The large bold size, color scheme and textures add energy to the story.
October 8, 2023
Copyright date: 2017
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: Fiction
Summary w/ themes: This book is about a girl whose monster won't go to bed (as the title suggests). She tells readers what not to do if this happens to their monsters, and then tells them what they can do to help their monsters fall asleep. The book ends with others asking for help on making their monsters go to bed, but that is a feat that she cannot help with, since she doesn't know how to deal with dragons, werewolves, or zombies. This book has a theme of monsters.
Use for future classroom: I don't think I would read this to my students, but it might be a fun seasonal halloween book to put on my bookshelf for students to read on their own.
Thoughts of book: I thought this book was okay. As someone who was never very imaginative as a kid I couldn't see myself enjoying this book as a kid like I have with the other books I have read. I did enjoy the illustrations and that the girl knew how to put her monster to sleep though.
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: Fiction
Summary w/ themes: This book is about a girl whose monster won't go to bed (as the title suggests). She tells readers what not to do if this happens to their monsters, and then tells them what they can do to help their monsters fall asleep. The book ends with others asking for help on making their monsters go to bed, but that is a feat that she cannot help with, since she doesn't know how to deal with dragons, werewolves, or zombies. This book has a theme of monsters.
Use for future classroom: I don't think I would read this to my students, but it might be a fun seasonal halloween book to put on my bookshelf for students to read on their own.
Thoughts of book: I thought this book was okay. As someone who was never very imaginative as a kid I couldn't see myself enjoying this book as a kid like I have with the other books I have read. I did enjoy the illustrations and that the girl knew how to put her monster to sleep though.
August 7, 2017
This is an adorable story that has great read aloud possibilities, if you are willing to be silly in front of a group of youngsters! I like when books take what is often feared and make it fun. I especially like books I can share during October without being about the holiday of Halloween at all. I am certain this will be a first pick for many students once it is read aloud to them in media classes.
Aside: I remember in library school I did a report on how few children's books have characters of color. This book is one of the many since then that not only has a child of color as the protagonist there is also a page showing her bi-racial parents. I also love that race has NOTHING to do with the story. Reminds me of my all time favorite board book to give to moms to be: Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang.
Aside: I remember in library school I did a report on how few children's books have characters of color. This book is one of the many since then that not only has a child of color as the protagonist there is also a page showing her bi-racial parents. I also love that race has NOTHING to do with the story. Reminds me of my all time favorite board book to give to moms to be: Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang.
March 22, 2018
What should you do if your monster refuses to go to bed? "Don't ask your parents for help. They know a lot about putting kids to bed, but nothing about putting monsters to bed. It's not their fault; they're just not good at it." In order to know what to do, you are advised to read this book.
Here are some things you should NOT do:
* Do not bring in your dog to cuddle. That will cause a problem between your dog and your monster.
* Don't do the Monster Stomp. The Monster Stomp should be reserved for daytime fun.
* Don't let you monster count sheep...because he will want to eat them.
In order to get your monster to go to bed, you should follow the six steps outlined in this book. I'm not going to tell you what they are; you will have to read the book and find out for yourself.
Here are some things you should NOT do:
* Do not bring in your dog to cuddle. That will cause a problem between your dog and your monster.
* Don't do the Monster Stomp. The Monster Stomp should be reserved for daytime fun.
* Don't let you monster count sheep...because he will want to eat them.
In order to get your monster to go to bed, you should follow the six steps outlined in this book. I'm not going to tell you what they are; you will have to read the book and find out for yourself.
May 9, 2018
***All questions answered by my 4 year old***
Do you like this book?
Yes because I like monsters!
What's your favorite part of the book?
I like the monster stomp! But it's too loud. It will crack the whole place. And I like the bug juice. I want to drink the bug juice! I just love bugs, even snails and centipedes. And it's so pretty. I like all the colors. This book made me feel pretty good and super excited!
What do you think of the cover?
I like it. I like the human sitting on the monster's head. I like the white letters!
Do you want me to read it again?
Next time.
What Momma Thinks...
This is an adorable book. The colors are amazing, the illustrations are adorable. And it was really fun/funny to read. We loved reading about how to get your monster to go to bed!
Do you like this book?
Yes because I like monsters!
What's your favorite part of the book?
I like the monster stomp! But it's too loud. It will crack the whole place. And I like the bug juice. I want to drink the bug juice! I just love bugs, even snails and centipedes. And it's so pretty. I like all the colors. This book made me feel pretty good and super excited!
What do you think of the cover?
I like it. I like the human sitting on the monster's head. I like the white letters!
Do you want me to read it again?
Next time.
What Momma Thinks...
This is an adorable book. The colors are amazing, the illustrations are adorable. And it was really fun/funny to read. We loved reading about how to get your monster to go to bed!
September 25, 2017
A guide for dos and don'ts of getting your monster to bed successfully.
A lot of the things to do are the antithesis of what we'd normally think (reading a scary story, singing and off-key loud song, giving the monster a gross drink instead of milk, etc.) that should delight kids. I liked the mixed racial family, the vibrant illustrations, and the great, imaginative, ironic things that help a monster sleep. For imaginative kids, have them tell you how to help the dragon and werewolf that appear at the end get to sleep.
A lot of the things to do are the antithesis of what we'd normally think (reading a scary story, singing and off-key loud song, giving the monster a gross drink instead of milk, etc.) that should delight kids. I liked the mixed racial family, the vibrant illustrations, and the great, imaginative, ironic things that help a monster sleep. For imaginative kids, have them tell you how to help the dragon and werewolf that appear at the end get to sleep.
February 10, 2019
When your monster won't settle down, there's a few things that you can try, like giving him warm spoiled milk, cleaning his teeth with garbage-flavored floss, and reading him the scariest story you can find. Filled with good humor and bright, fun illustrations, this picturebook turns the monster under your bed into a lovable friend. This is just perfect for the little one who doesn't like bedtime, and great for kids K-2.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
June 4, 2017
This book is adorable, bright, and a little silly/gross. I read it to my granddaughter (3 years old), nad she loved it so much I had to read it again... twice! The monster is a big fluffy "safe" monster - no need to fear nightmares. The main character is a little girl, which my granddaughter liked. Too many times the female characters in even kid's books are just there to be rescued by the hero or for decoration. In this book, the little girl IS the hero, and she gets the job done.
April 9, 2018
There are a lot of things you shouldn't do when you're trying to get your monster to go to bed. Once you know what NOT to do, you can read about what actually works - calming, crunchy bug juice, ice-cold baths, a squishy, squashy toy your monster can sleep with. Any or all of these things can work. This funny, unusual pet care picture book, will have kids giggling (and should help anyone with monster fears overcome them pretty quickly).
May 23, 2023
"If Your Monster Won't Go To Bed" by Denise Vega is a fun twist on the usual bedtime story. The monster in the story is likable and relatable. Alliteration is sprinkled throughout the book. The illustrations by Zachariah Ohora are colorful and simple, each one demanding a pause for inspection before turning the page. My favorite part is the step-by-step guidance written in a child's handwriting. It may not put your kid to sleep, but it will definitely be fun to read.
May 22, 2017
Today I had the pleasure of hearing Denise Vega speak at a scholarship award ceremony. She had a couple of her books for sale and I decided on this one. Tonight I read it to my little ones before bed and they loved it! It's a silly book and kept their attention. They were also very excited about the fact that the author wrote a special note addressed to them.
May 23, 2017
Kids will like it because it is about monsters and kind of gross in parts. Two choices the illustrator made that I truly appreciated: 1. The main character is multi-racial and 2. Mom had to carry dad because he was afraid of the monster, not the other way around. Subtle touches kids might not even notice, but that is what makes it great.
May 25, 2017
This one was a HUGE hit with my toddler. The story is funny and Zachariah Ohora's illustrations take it beyond. The monster is super cuddly -- this is a great addition to the "friendly monster" category.
Notes on representation: The little girls and their mother are black, and their father is white. There are a few crowd scenes that include kids with varying skin colors.
Notes on representation: The little girls and their mother are black, and their father is white. There are a few crowd scenes that include kids with varying skin colors.
February 22, 2018
What happens when a monster doesn't get enough sleep? Massive monster tantrums, refusing to join the Sneak-Up-and-Scare-Your-Sister game, and falling asleep in his slug mush. Never fear, this narrator has a surefire method for putting your monster to sleep.
Fun illustrations and text will delight students.
Fun illustrations and text will delight students.
Read
December 14, 2021This is a great book to talk to students about step-by-step writing. It really helps open students' imaginations with their creativity in their writing and reading. This is a great book to read around Halloween. It is a great connection text to the If You Give A series. I also use this book for helping retell key ideas in a text. We also use this book to help explain adjectives to my students.
May 14, 2017
A very silly story that I can't wait to read aloud to kiddos. It is cartoony, weird, and sometimes gross (appropriate for a book about monsters). I had some issues with the pacing/flow, but overall, I think this will be a fun read for kids.
May 24, 2017
The story didn't really work for me, but I have a feeling the kids at storytime would enjoy it. The illustrations are full of vibrant color, but not entirely memorable.
Definitely funny and silly, though!
Definitely funny and silly, though!
August 24, 2017
Sometimes, kiddos have a hard time falling asleep. What better way to assist them than with a fun story about a monster who also struggles to fall asleep? Lots of vibrant colors and a diverse family add to the enjoyment level of this book.
September 10, 2017
The artwork is...interesting and vivid. The story just never really clicked for me because it didn't flow. As a read-aloud this would be terrible for the reader because of all the tongue-tanglers and font changes, but I imagine the kids would love the big stinky monster.
October 28, 2017
10/22/2017 ** An amusing bedtime story, popping neon illustrations, and gross-out details for monsters (and their human friends).
Also, a good addition to the collection of books with characters of color (including an interracial mom and dad) doing everyday things (i.e. not an "issues" book).
Also, a good addition to the collection of books with characters of color (including an interracial mom and dad) doing everyday things (i.e. not an "issues" book).
June 11, 2018
We picked this one up because we really enjoy Ohora’s illustrations. The story, however, wasn’t as good as some of the other collaborations we’ve enjoyed. Monsters under the bed was too scary for me - a 3 1/2 year old with a vivid imagination.
July 2, 2018
Another great example of good illustrations by Zachariah OHora but lackluster story by Denise Vega. Again, just reminded me of another book I read about getting your monsters to go potty (which is actually a better book). Recommended for ages 5-8, 2 stars.
February 12, 2019
I expected more
Artwork was mediocre at best
Framed in a negative (don’t do this don’t do that) which isn’t how we speak with young children
Leads into a sequel
No terrible but not recommended
Artwork was mediocre at best
Framed in a negative (don’t do this don’t do that) which isn’t how we speak with young children
Leads into a sequel
No terrible but not recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews