Monster

Monster

Discover who the real monster is in this hilarious picture book with a twist! Some monsters are scary - with pointy teeth and snuffly grunts - and you'd never invite them to sleep over!

But then there are the other monsters, the ones that are cute and cuddly, and full of surprises.

Andrew Daddo and Bruce Whatley's brand new picture book lets you decide which monster is which!

With Bruce's beautiful illustrations, Monster is the frighteningly good picture book that is sure to become a bedtime favourite!

Andrew Daddo is one of Australia's most popular television personalities. He has written 18 best-selling books, including the hugely successful picture book collaboration with Emma Quay, Good Night, Me. He lives on Sydney's northern beaches with his family.

Bruce Whatley has been writing and illustrating award winning children's books for over twenty years. Best known are Little White Dogs Can't Jump, and Diary of a Wombat.

Monster
ABC Books
Authors: Andrew Daddo and Bruce Whatley
ISBN: 9780733322754
Price: $24.99

Interview with Andrew Daddo

Why did you decide to write Monster?

Andrew Daddo: I just love writing bedtime stories for kids - my kids always ask for a story from my mouth, and some of them end up as picture books. But there's something you should know about Monster - it's not really the book I wrote. The words are the same, but the story completely changed when Bruce got the text. You see, I wrote it about a little dog called 'Monster'. I just neglected to tell Bruce. When he read the text, he said it made perfect sense to have it about a little kid called Monster. I think he was right. When I saw his drawings I couldn't understand how he could reveal the monster so early, but by the time I got to the end, I not only thought, but knew he was a genius.


How did you create many different types of monsters for this book?

Andrew Daddo: Bruce Whatley deserves all the credit for the actual look of the monster. As an author, I take care of the words and am more than happy to let the illustrator look after the pictures. IF there is a picture I have an idea for, or a problem with, that's when I'll suggest something. But I'm really not terribly good at drawing and don't pretend to be.


What will children love most about the book, Monster?

Andrew Daddo: I think kids will like the similarity with their own bedtimes. We've all sung out to our parents and tried to get their attention at bedtime. It might be for a cuddle or a kiss, or because there's a monster in the room and we need their help.


Is it easier to write children's books when you have a family of your own?

Andrew Daddo: I suspect it is, but have been writing for as long as I have had children. The one story I wrote pre-kids was a bit of a disaster, so maybe the kids were the key. Telling stories "from your mouth please, Daddy" certainly keeps the mind sharp.


Are you currently working on another book?

Andrew Daddo: There is always something rattling around in my head. At the moment it's a sleepwalking dog called Skoz. He's woken up away from home again, this time as the lead dog in a sled race in Antarctica. He's a lot of fun to write about - most naughty little dogs are.


Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

Andrew Daddo: Inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere. It might be a conversation with someone, a family playing down at the beach or the crowd at a game of footy. Maybe a swimming coach or the neighbours really annoying cat that deliberately tries to trip you over the minute you walk in the house. It's about having an open mind and remembering it's better to get the story on the page first and edit later.


What is the best thing about children's books?

Andrew Daddo: It's very difficult to find a downside to writing for kids, not the type of stories I write, anyway. The hope is that the books are entertaining, but also, they help turn the kids on to reading. As parents we all know and understand the benefits of having children who enjoy books. Not only does literacy make the school world easier and more enjoyable, but books are a friend for life and offer a million different worlds for them to enjoy. When I visit schools and kids tell me it was one of my books that got them started on reading, I couldn't be happier.