Tickle Monster is an adorable picture book that takes the fear out of monsters and makes them fun. Children are encouraged to tickle the monster, thus "moving" each body part (arms, legs, horns, etc.) and repurposing it on the next page to create a comforting nighttime scene.
French author-illustrator Édouard Manceau uses high-contrast illustrations and simple repetition to take the reader on a gentle journey that explores this monster in a fun and enticing manner. Exclamation points make the book exciting and perfect for reading aloud with gusto. The oversize white-on-black lettering is great practice for beginning spellers, with the monster parts providing an excellent counting exercise for preschoolers. Youngest readers will enjoy the colors and simpler illustrations such as the moon and trees, formed by the monster’s horns, arms and legs. Manceau’s question-and-answer format provides the perfect opportunity for readers of all ages to guess what’s coming next.
A standout feature of the book is its size; at 7”x13”, it’s easy for little hands to grasp and turn the pages. This is a surefire hit for toddlers through kindergarteners, one that will help them laugh and forget their fears of monsters.
