The Girl Who Builds Monsters

by Brian James Freeman

Emma is quiet, and often lonely, because the birthmark on her face scares the other kids in town. She lives with her kindly grandfather, who owns a factory where he creates the most beautiful dolls in the world.

One day while exploring the factory, Emma discovers a forgotten workbench and some wooden crates. Inside the crates are broken pieces of machinery and rejected doll parts, which Emma begins to assemble into dolls of her own design. They are very different from the dolls her grandfather makes, but Emma says this is what makes them special.

Emma loves her dolls, and she has no idea how much they love her back, but when two burglars sneak into the cottage where Emma and her grandfather are fast asleep, her new monster dolls will prove exactly how special they really are…

Featuring a timeless story by Brian James Freeman and beautiful full-color artwork by Vincent Chong, The Girl Who Builds Monsters is a tale for all ages.

Genres: Horror

36 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2020

About the author

Brian James Freeman sold his first short story when he was fourteen years old and now writes full-time thanks to the support of his patrons on Patreon. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, three kids, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and an English Pointer. More books are on the way.

Reviews

[Dez Nemec · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute. A great story, wonderfully illustrated by Vinny Chong.

[Elke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most wonderful story told in beautiful pictures. This will definitely become a reread for me, as I love to check out and find new fascinating details in the illustrations. The fantastical creatures the girl builds are just gorgeous, I'm already thinking about creating one of my own...

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork perfectly accompanies this sweet & slightly spooky story for kids & their grownups.

[Jason Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all great children's literature, this story is as much a message for adults as it is for kids. Featuring beautifully haunting art of Vincent Chong, the prose of Brian James Freeman relays a compassionate message that everyone is perfectly imperfect and can be accepted and loved by others. I recommend this for any child who struggles with peer acceptance, whether due to physical and visible differences, or socially withdrawn kids--as well as children who struggle with self-importance and inflated egos who may need assistance in realizing why others are worthy of peer acceptance and love just as much as they are. It really is a precious little book and worthy of place on any bookshelf.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book with a big heart! A a sweet, important message!
It was doubly sweet, because my seventh grade daughter is making a doll in handwork, and the message in this book is such a positive one, especially for doll making! Emma and her grandfather, and their monster dolls, will always have a place in my heart!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book about a little girl who rescues broken rejected dolls from her father's factory and builds her own monster dolls. Her love for them imbues them with life and they save her and her father from burglars. Enchanting story and beautifully illustrated. Highly recommended

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Mr. Freemans children’s book series. The story is fun and Vincent Chong’s art is perfect.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my favorite new children's books! The illustrations are beautiful and the story sublime. Gifting this to several of my favorite munchkins to be sure.

[Vicki Liebowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best children’s books I’ve read in a while.

[Kersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable!

[Max Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toy story with a twist and a beautiful message. Beautifully illustrated by the great Vincent Chong. My daughter loved this even though I had to translate the whole thing.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice story with a great message. The art is beautiful.