Book Review of Fun with a Monster
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The Children’s Book Review
Fun with a Monster
Written by Ann Fleming
Illustrated by Stefanie Geyer
Ages: 4-6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Kahu Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9889109-9-2
What to Expect: Bedtime, imagination, dear, self-discovery, and emotional regulation.
Night-time fears are an all-too-familiar issue for many children, but this sweet and funny picture book helps turn the tables on bedtime monsters, recasting them as exciting bedtime friends.
Henry has checked his bedroom very carefully for monsters, so there should be nothing to worry about at bedtime. Right? So what is that hideous, horned, and snouted shape standing against the wall? It looks very much like a monster! Henry and his teddy talk it through, and decide that even if it is a monster, monsters aren’t real, so they can make this imaginary monster whatever they want it to be.
Soon, the monster has a name and is giving Henry’s school friends piggyback rides, learning spelling, and taking a bath! It’s very disappointing when they see in the morning that the “monster” was just a bathrobe and reflection—then they remember, he can be whatever they want him to be. Now, Snuff-Wuffle the monster visits every night!
Henry is brave and imaginative, and readers will love his hands-on strategies for dealing with fear, from the pre-bedtime closet check to his strategy consultations with his bear. The artwork is vibrant, drawing heavily on the color blue to keep the story soothing, even when things get scary for Henry—and the monster’s benign, smiling face helps readers know, even before Henry does, that there is nothing to fear.
The lulling rhythm of the rhyming text is the perfect cadence for reading aloud before sleep, making Fun with a Monster the perfect story for the bedtime ritual of any kid who worries about what’s waiting in the dark.
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About the Author
Ann Fleming is an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author known for her impactful stories. Originally from upstate New York, she now resides in sunny San Diego with her family.
Inspired by the books she enjoyed reading with her son, Ann felt a calling to create stories that would capture the same sense of fun, reflection, and adventure that they experienced together.
Ann’s books are not just entertaining; they carry powerful themes of appreciation, joy, friendship, acceptance, and the importance of choosing one’s thoughts. She believes in the remarkable ability of children to shape their own minds and create a peaceful environment within themselves.
Her passion for empowering children through her enchanting stories is evident in every word she writes. With her books, she aspires to leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of young readers, guiding them towards a future filled with positivity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the magic of storytelling.
To learn more, visit https://annpfleming.com.
About the Illustrator
From a young age, Stefanie Geyer discovered her love for art while attending drawing classes alongside her mother. That early passion grew into a lifelong pursuit, eventually leading her to study at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where she honed her skills in illustration and design. Today, Stefanie lives in Winamac, Indiana, with her five dogs and one cat, drawing inspiration from both her surroundings and her love of storytelling. She has built a career as a storybook illustrator, creating whimsical, heartfelt artwork that brings stories to life.
To explore more of her work, visit StefanieGeyerIllustration.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Fun with a Monster. Learn more about getting a book review …
