Common Sense Media Review
Artwork may spook, but fears are faced in the end.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Fred faces the daunting task of kids everywhere: how to fall asleep when there just might be something lurking under the bed. Then of course he lets his imagination run away with him. Will he dare to look?
Is It Any Good?
This highly stylized book (the first-time author/illustrator has worked as a concept artist for Disney) is a welcome addition to the "something scares me" picture book genre. The simple, rhyming text says little but the dramatic illustrations effectively convey the young boy's increasing fear. Fortunately, worried preschoolers can rest assured that no monsters are lurking. And Fred faces his fears with happy results.
The mostly black-and-white illustrations have the feel and style of a graphic novel; the results will have artistically minded adults swooning. Splashes of color introduce the scary monsters of Fred's imagination and sharp teeth, googly eyes, and weird appendages abound. Sensitive kids might find the creatures just a little overwhelming. If that's the case, skip to the happy ending first and flash the second-to-last picture (because the very last one brings back the suspense).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about nighttime fears and coping mechanisms. How can kids handle being worried about something under the bed or in the closet? What kind of game plan do parents recommend?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Joe Fenton
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : September 2, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : July 13, 2017
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