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The Maple Tree Monster
The end of summer is hard, especially when you have to start school in a brand-new town. As the days count down, Andrea tries to spend as much time with her friends as possible. One day, on a picnic in the park, Andrea becomes separated from her friends and discovers an old tree house. Andrea soon finds that the tree house is connected to a large monster who doesn’t want her to leave...
80 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2017
About the author
Bryan Kwasnik
4 booksBryan Kwasnik grew up in Northern NJ with a strong desire to tell stories. As a child, he penned comic strips about a crime fighting monkey and spooky tales about a strange elementary school.
His fascination with all things strange and other-worldly leads to near constant daydreaming and world building. In addition to writing, he runs several D&D campaigns, and writes and records music.
His fascination with all things strange and other-worldly leads to near constant daydreaming and world building. In addition to writing, he runs several D&D campaigns, and writes and records music.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 13, 2026
In The Maple Tree Monster, Bryan Kwasnik delivers a poignant children’s fantasy that expertly captures the bittersweet transition from the freedom of childhood summers to the daunting reality of growing up.
Plot Overview
The story follows young Andrea, who is struggling with the end of summer and the intimidating prospect of starting at a brand-new school in an unfamiliar town. In a final attempt to cling to the season, she goes on a picnic with friends, only to become separated from them in a local park. Her journey takes a fantastical turn when she seeks shelter in an old tree house, only to discover it is physically and magically bound to a massive, ancient monster. Unlike the typical "scary" monsters of fiction, this creature is a manifestation of the woods themselves, one that refuses to let Andrea return to the world of responsibilities and new beginnings.
Themes and Style
The Fear of Change: Kwasnik uses the "Monster" as a powerful metaphor for the desire to stay young and avoid the "scary" unknown of a new school and social circle.
Atmospheric World-Building: The author excels at blending the mundane—moving trucks and school supplies—with a lush, slightly eerie natural world where trees have their own sentience.
Emotional Resonance: While categorized as a children’s book, the story deals with the universal Young Adult (YA) theme of "coming of age," making it relatable for readers of various ages.
Final Verdict
The Maple Tree Monster is a standout debut that avoids simple "happily-ever-after" tropes. Instead, it offers a thoughtful exploration of how we face our fears of the future. It is an essential read for any young reader who has ever felt like an outsider or worried about the "monster" of a new beginning.
Plot Overview
The story follows young Andrea, who is struggling with the end of summer and the intimidating prospect of starting at a brand-new school in an unfamiliar town. In a final attempt to cling to the season, she goes on a picnic with friends, only to become separated from them in a local park. Her journey takes a fantastical turn when she seeks shelter in an old tree house, only to discover it is physically and magically bound to a massive, ancient monster. Unlike the typical "scary" monsters of fiction, this creature is a manifestation of the woods themselves, one that refuses to let Andrea return to the world of responsibilities and new beginnings.
Themes and Style
The Fear of Change: Kwasnik uses the "Monster" as a powerful metaphor for the desire to stay young and avoid the "scary" unknown of a new school and social circle.
Atmospheric World-Building: The author excels at blending the mundane—moving trucks and school supplies—with a lush, slightly eerie natural world where trees have their own sentience.
Emotional Resonance: While categorized as a children’s book, the story deals with the universal Young Adult (YA) theme of "coming of age," making it relatable for readers of various ages.
Final Verdict
The Maple Tree Monster is a standout debut that avoids simple "happily-ever-after" tropes. Instead, it offers a thoughtful exploration of how we face our fears of the future. It is an essential read for any young reader who has ever felt like an outsider or worried about the "monster" of a new beginning.
Displaying 1 of 1 review