Review - Monsters Are Afraid of Babies

Monsters Are Afraid of Babies
by Nicholas Tana
illustrated by Elise Leutwyler & Jessica Abbott
Date: 2019
Publisher: New Classics Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 28
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

A boy learns to face his fear of monsters after discovering that monsters are afraid of his baby sister. Inspired by a child’s imagination, this children’s picture book published by New Classics Books contains a timeless, rhythmical tale accompanied by beautiful illustrations. Simple enough for kids but profound enough for parents, readers will learn that the fears we have of others are often the same fears others have of us. A must for every child's bookshelf.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple, fun picture book in rhyme that helps give young children a reason to be grateful for the presence of their baby sibling. The very things about babies that drive kids nuts (the smells, the sounds, the icky things that come out of every orifice) are the same things that keep monsters away. Why? Because monsters are afraid of babies!

There really isn't a lot of text, and some of the rhymes are tenuous, at best. But the illustrations are pretty amusing, and the overall sentiment is cute. If parents can't convince their older children that the squawking, pooping, toy-breaking new additions are actually a good thing, this book might help.

Overall, this is a cute little read for young children, especially those with baby siblings. (I'm not sure it would work as well for monster-fearing kids who don't have a baby in the house. What are you supposed to do then?)

Thank you to NetGalley and New Classics Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5