Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Gregory C. Allen to bring you this post and giveaway.

Today I am continuing my Halloween themed books with one about monsters. It is part of The Children's Book Review Virtual Book Tour of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion by Gregory C. Allen and illustrated by Shelby Goodwin. This book is an early reader chapter book that has wonderful themes about new experiences, accepting differences and so much more. There is a giveaway at the end of the post and I am including a fun monster craft round-up to go with the book!

About the Book:

The Monsters of Marymount Mansion Written by Gregory G. Allen & Illustrated by Shelby Goodwin

Ages 7+ | 128 Pages | Publisher: ASD Publishing | ISBN-13: 9780996102940

Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.

PURCHASE LINK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor. His children’s books include Chicken Boy: The Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut! He is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Dramatist Guild. The idea for his monster book goes back to the first musical he ever wrote, which was produced for the stage when he was 15, with the message that it’s okay to be different.

For more information, visit gregsimagination.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Shelby Goodwin is an illustrator, letterer, graphic designer, and all-around creative living in Hoboken, NJ. She is extremely passionate about children’s media and the power of art to romanticize the everyday. When she is not making things, she can be found with her spouse and three cats exploring new places, eating pastries, or cuddling up in her favorite reading chair.

For more information, visit heartonmysleevedesign.com.

From Me:

I love this story. Young Toby wants to see the world. It is hard to do from his basement home. His family found a nice woman who is letting the monsters live in her basement. She lets them live there and feeds them, but she hides them away. She has become close to the monsters and feels like they are family, but she doesn't want to be ostracized for having them. On Halloween she lets them come upstairs for the annual Halloween party. This year Toby is getting to go trick-or-treating and he is so excited to see the real world and meet other people. He has a wonderful time and loves seeing kids his own age. He then tries to sneak out for Thanksgiving and Christmas. After getting bullied at Christmas, he is scared and wonders if monsters and humans can really get along. He finally tells his parents about sneaking out and with their human friend they all realize that he should be allowed outside and to explore the world. They see how brave Toby is and want to be brave like him. The woman tells her employees about the monsters and introduces them, and the entire monster family sees Toby off from the front porch for his day of exploring.

I love how brave Toby is and how he wants to find a way for humans and monsters to live together in harmony. It is truly a book with the message of trying new experiences and accepting differences. Let's face it even without monsters among us we have many differences from one another. This book helps bring a discussion to a class or family about the differences of others. Whether it is big things like race, gender, culture, etc. or something small like differences between friends it can be a wonderful introduction to talking about accepting differences and learning to get along with one another.

Kids will love the story with the friendly monsters and the bravery of Toby. Adults will like the story for the messages about acceptance and bravery. It is a story that should be shared and is also perfect for Halloween. Be sure to check it out!

Monster Craft Round-Up:

Just in time for Halloween and to go with this fun book I am sharing some monster crafts from around the blog world! I have a few different categories/collages for you! What will your monster look like?

1. Coffee Filter Monsters from Darcy and Brian

2. Construction Paper Monster Puppets from Twitchetts

3. Pop-Up Monster Card from Red Ted Art

4. Monster STEM Activity from STEAMsational

5. Monster Collage Art from Fun Learning for Kids

6. Monster Card from Easy Peasy and Fun

7. Handprint Monsters from Simple Everyday Mom

8. Monster Windsocks from Crafts by Amanda

9. Monster Corner Bookmarks from Easy Peasy and Fun

10. Monster Corner Bookmarks from Artsy Craftsy Mom

11. Monster Corner Bookmarks from Red Ted Art

12. Shape Monsters from Messy Little Monster

1. Monster Treat Bags from Artsy Craftsy Mom

2. Monster Paper Bag Puppet from Simple Everyday Mom

3. Newspaper Monster Wreath from Red Ted Art

4. Toilet Paper Roll Monsters from Taming Little Monsters

5. Sponge Painted Monsters from Projects with Kids

6. Silly Paper Plate Monsters from A Little Pinch of Perfect

7. Paper Plate Monster from Little Ladoo

8. Paper Plate Monsters from Taming Little Monsters

1. Popsicle Stick Monster Bookmark from Darcy and Brian

2. Monster Craft Sticks from Crafts by Amanda

3. Popsicle Stick Monsters from Simple Everyday Mom

4. Peg Monster Craft from The Craft Train

5. Monster Painted Rocks from 100 Directions with Jen Goode

6. Silly Monster Rocks from Twitchetts

7. Tissue Box Monsters from The Best Ideas for Kids

8. Yarn Monsters from Blue Bear Wood

9. Monster Lanterns from The Craft Train

10. Monster Themed Name Necklace Craft from The Educators' Spin On It

11. Silly Monster Puppets from A Little Pinch of Perfect

12. Paper Cup Monster from Beth Ann Averill

13. Pool Noodle Monsters from Messy Little Monster

Giveaway:

Enter for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion, a signed paperback copy of each of the author’s previous picture books** (Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy: A Superhero with Autism Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut!), and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy other books! **All books teach children not to fear those who are different and to be proud of themselves FOR those differences. Good luck!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism
A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: A Superhero Deals with Doctors and Dentists
A signed paperback copy of Irving the Theater Nut
A $50 Amazon Gift Card

Four (4) winners receive:

A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

The Monsters of Marymount Mansion: Book Giveaway

The Monsters of Marymount Mansion --Book Review, Giveaway and Craft Round-Up