If you searched for “how to catch a monster book,” you’re likely looking for a quick, helpful overview before buying or reading it with a child. Here’s a clear guide to the picture book by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton, based on public product details and reader feedback.
Quick overview
How to Catch a Monster is a 40-page illustrated children’s book in the popular How to Catch series. It follows a brave young ninja who goes looking for the monster hiding in the closet, only to discover that the creature may not be as scary as expected.
The book is aimed at young children, especially ages 3 to 5, and it’s often used as a bedtime read, a Halloween pick, or a fun story about facing fears.
Book details at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Title | How to Catch a Monster |
| Authors | Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton |
| Format | Hardcover, with other formats available |
| Page count | 40 pages |
| Reading age | 3–5 years |
| Grade level | Kindergarten–3 |
| Publisher | Sourcebooks Wonderland |
| Publication date | September 5, 2017 |
| Series | How to Catch |
What the book is about
The story centers on a child who thinks a monster is living in the closet. Instead of being purely scary, the book turns that idea into a playful adventure. The tone is silly and light, with rhyming text and bright illustrations that keep the pace moving.
At its core, the book is about:
- confronting fear
- using imagination
- finding humor in spooky situations
- learning that things are not always as scary as they seem
That makes it appealing for kids who like Halloween themes, monster stories, or read-aloud books with a playful twist.
Why kids tend to enjoy it
Readers often mention a few reasons this book works well for young children:
| What stands out | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Rhyming text | Makes read-aloud time easier and more engaging |
| Bright illustrations | Holds attention and adds to the humor |
| Funny moments | Keeps the book playful instead of too scary |
| Simple storyline | Easy for young kids to follow |
| Repeated reading appeal | Kids may want to hear it again and again |
The book’s energy makes it a good choice for story time, especially when a child wants something spooky but not overwhelming.
Things parents may want to know
Some readers love the silly humor, while others note that parts of the language may be a little much for very young children. If you’re buying it for a toddler or preschooler, it’s worth previewing a few pages first to make sure the tone fits your family.
A few helpful things to keep in mind:
- It is a playful monster book, not a true scary story.
- The humor leans goofy and dramatic.
- It is designed to be read aloud.
- Some families may prefer to wait until kids are a little older before using it as a bedtime favorite.
Best ways to use the book
How to Catch a Monster works well in a few different settings.
| Use case | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Bedtime reading | Short length and playful tone make it easy to finish |
| Halloween shelf | Monster theme fits spooky season |
| Classroom read-aloud | Rhymes and pictures keep groups engaged |
| Fear-of-the-dark conversations | Opens a gentle discussion about monsters and worries |
| Gift for young readers | Bright, kid-friendly, and easy to share |
If your child likes monster stories but gets nervous about scary content, this can be a nice bridge book because it keeps the monster theme without leaning into real horror.
What makes it part of the larger series
This book belongs to the larger How to Catch series, which includes holiday and themed picture books such as:
- How to Catch a Witch
- How to Catch an Elf
- How to Catch a Turkey
- How to Catch a Leprechaun
- How to Catch a Dinosaur
If your child enjoys one title, there’s a good chance they’ll enjoy the others too, since the series follows a similar style: rhymes, humor, colorful art, and a playful chase-like setup.
Is it a good fit for your child?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
| If your child likes... | This book may be a fit |
|---|---|
| Halloween books | Yes |
| Monsters that are funny, not scary | Yes |
| Rhyming picture books | Yes |
| Silly read-alouds | Yes |
| Very serious stories | Probably not |
| Very gentle, no-nonsense bedtime books | Maybe not |
If you want a spooky-but-silly picture book that is easy to read aloud, How to Catch a Monster is a strong option.
Reading tips for parents and teachers
To make the most of the story:
- use a dramatic voice for the rhymes
- pause on the pictures and ask kids what they think will happen
- talk about times they’ve been scared of something that turned out okay
- connect it to Halloween, closets, shadows, or bedtime fears
- let kids point out funny details in the illustrations
These small interactions can make the book more memorable and help children feel part of the story.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a cheerful, colorful monster book for young kids, How to Catch a Monster delivers exactly that. It’s short, funny, and designed for repeated read-alouds. The story’s message is simple but useful: scary things can seem bigger than they really are.
For families who want a spooky seasonal book without too much fright, this one is easy to recommend.
FAQ
Is How to Catch a Monster scary?
Not really. It’s more silly than scary, with a playful monster theme and humorous illustrations.
What age is How to Catch a Monster for?
The listed reading age is 3–5 years, though some kids may enjoy it a little older too.
Is this book good for bedtime?
Yes, especially if your child enjoys funny picture books and doesn’t mind a monster theme before bed.
Is How to Catch a Monster part of a series?
Yes. It’s part of Adam Wallace’s How to Catch series, which includes several other themed picture books.