That Monster on the Block

Monster is excited to see what kind of creature will move into Vampire’s old house on the block. He even starts practicing his welcome growl for the new neighbor. But when the moving truck pulls up, it’s not a greedy goblin, an ogre, or a dastardly dragon that steps out. Instead, it’s something even more terrifying than Monster could have imagined! Monster quickly rallies the other neighbors to unite against the new guy on the block. But what if the new neighbor isn’t exactly as bad as Monster thinks? Join Monster as he confronts his fears in this charming and lighthearted look at what it means to accept others who are different from us.

“This humorous, fast-paced story, narrated with clipped sentences, conveys an important, unsubtle message about the importance of accepting diversity…This entertaining tale about making new friends may also help readers conquer their fear of clowns.” —Kirkus Reviews “A closed-minded monster begins to broaden his perspective as a group of familiar Halloween characters address otherness and tolerance…With the good times rolling all around him, Monster’s resolve softens, and he starts opening up to making a friend. The proceedings are energetic and fun—with onomatopoeic words and boldly hued digital artwork that toggles between spot illustrations, smaller panels, and spreads.” —Publishers Weekly “This book also has a great message about diversity. Monster can’t wait to see what kind of creature will move into the newly vacant old house on the block—daydreaming about ogres and other dastardly potential menaces. Then, Monster and his neighbors are disappointed to learn the newest addition is actually a squeaky clown. Clown finds a way to bond with the rest of the neighborhood, and the story teaches empathy and kindness in a silly Halloween setting.” —Book Riot

Sue Ganz-Schmitt was born on the Fourth of July and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. She now lives in the mountains of Los Angeles with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. She is the author of many picture books, including the popular Planet Kindergarten and Planet Kindergarten: 100 Days in Orbit, both illustrated by Shane Prigmore. Sue is the cofounder of a children’s musical theater program, a philanthropist, and a space enthusiast. She has traveled to China to help medically challenged orphans and set up a birthing clinic in rural India. She holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Learn more at www.sueganzschmitt.com.Luke Flowers is the illustrator of more than fifty children’s books, including the New York Times bestseller A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with poems by Fred Rogers and Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol storybook. Growing up, Mister Rogers and Kermit the Frog were two characters that inspired his dream to become an artist, so these were milestone books to bring to life. He is also both the author and illustrator of the Moby Shinobi series. Luke grew up with a love for all things Halloween and classic monster movies, and although he’s never been a clown, Luke does enjoy puppeteering, playing banjo, and having wacky adventures with his family. He lives with his wife and three children in Colorado Springs. Learn more about his story, books, and art at www.lukeflowers.com.