Tag Archives: monsters

October 6, 2025 · 7:00 am

Monsters Don’t Say Meep: Even the tiniest roar can make the biggest difference by Bridgetta Tomarchio (Book Review)

It was supposed to be a magical night…
until a few mischievous kittens turned it into chaos.
Can the tiniest voice save the day?

At Monster Scare Prep School, every monster is practicing their scariest roar. But when Meep tries, all that comes out is a squeaky little “meep.” The others laugh—until real trouble strikes, and Meep may be the only one who can save the day.

Will he find his roar—or discover that being himself is more than enough?

Funny, playful, and full of heart, Monsters Don’t Say Meep is a laugh-out-loud monster adventure about courage, individuality, and the magic of being yourself—reminding us that sometimes the smallest voice makes the biggest impact.

Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and storytime, this book will have kids (and adults) cheering for their own true voices.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Halloween is quickly approaching, and as kids decide which costume to wear this year, the students at the Monster Scare Prep School are practicing their scariest roars for The Monsters’ Ball’s biggest roar contest. Every monster that took the stage gave their mightiest roar, but when it was Meep’s turn, all he could manage was to squeak out a “meep.” The two-horned, green monster’s failed attempt was met with laughter from its classmates, causing their shoulders to slump in embarrassment or humiliation. Many readers will empathize with Meep’s situation and reaction.

Meep faced laughter on more than one occasion over their weak roar. Each time, the mockery instantly dampened his spirits, but he vowed to find his roar in time for the ball. This determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful message that will inspire and motivate young readers. But the million-dollar question is, did Meep find their roar? Did they win the contest? Those questions will be answered when you read the book, and I hope you decide to share it with your family or students!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a wonderful collection of colorful monsters. There were monsters with two eyes or one huge eye. Monsters with horns, spikes, or even both. There were monsters with bright, white teeth, as well as several that were toothless. There were a few surprise party crashers and a DJ duck spinning the turntable. Yes, you read that right…Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a duck for a DJ!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep did have a few design issues and one noticeable editing mistake; overall, though, it was a delightful story that discourages laughing at someone’s mistake while encouraging young listeners to keep trying. The creature’s laughter did hurt Meep’s feelings, but it didn’t deter them from their goal. This is a powerful lesson in empathy and understanding, and we should all follow Meep’s example: keep striving to reach your goal(s)!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches kids that it’s okay to be look or sound different, to embrace what makes you unique. This story had many endearing qualities. The scene featuring the monsters “polishing their fangs” and “fluffing their fur” was quite humorous. While the bat’s wings and nose were a bit off the mark, the animal was still adorable. I bet young viewers will giggle over Meep’s headpiece and his expulsion of air.

I recommend sharing the book with kids aged 3-8 years. Use this story as a lead-in to an art activity: designing a monster or a jack o’lantern. Make it a part of your classroom party! At school or at home, Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches important lessons to young listeners while entertaining them with its cute, colorful, Halloween-themed illustrations.

Help your kids find their voice by reading Monsters Don’t Say Meep!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Bridgetta Tomarchio is an author, ghostwriter, and PR powerhouse who has helped countless entrepreneurs and creatives bring their stories to life. Founder of Plot Twist Ink, she coaches writers from concept to bestseller, drawing on 20+ years of experience in media, publishing, and publicity. Her career spans actress, host, producer, and publicist for celebrities and high-profile clients, giving her an unmatched eye for storytelling that captivates both readers and the media. Bridgetta’s own writing blends raw honesty, empowerment, and heart—whether she’s crafting memoir, children’s adventures, or bold fiction. Her greatest inspiration is her 5-year-old son, Lucian, who fuels her imagination and serves as her enthusiastic “guinea pig” for children’s stories. With every project, Bridgetta weaves purpose, passion, and authenticity—helping others find their voice and transform their stories into legacies.

Amazon Author Page Link
Website Link
Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 15, 2025 · 7:00 am

Afraid of the Dark: Liana and the Shadow in the Closet by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Liana and the Shadow in the Closet is a heartwarming and empowering story about facing fears and finding comfort in the dark. Liana is afraid of the shadowy figure she sees in her closet at night. But with the help of her older brother, Marco, she learns that the shadow isn’t a monster—it’s just her clothes! With a little imagination, a nightlight, and some comforting words, Liana discovers that the dark isn’t so scary, after all.

This delightful story teaches young readers how to face their fears, create a comforting bedtime routine, and use their imagination to turn scary thoughts into fun ones. Perfect for children aged 4-8, Liana and the Shadow in the Closet offers valuable lessons in overcoming nighttime anxieties, making it an ideal bedtime read.

Key Themes:

  • Facing fears of shadows and the dark
  • Creating a comforting bedtime routine
  • Using imagination to overcome fear
  • Sibling support and family bonding

This book is part of the Afraid of the Dark bedtime series, designed to help children feel safe, confident, and empowered to tackle their nighttime fears head-on.

 
 
 
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 

Bedtime fears are a shared experience among children, a fact that we as parents and caregivers can all relate to. They often imagine something hiding in their closet or under their bed. The shadows outside can cast eerie shapes on their walls. The wind and tree limbs can create spooky scratching sounds against windowpanes, sending shivers down their spine and making their hearts race. However, remember that there’s always a reason behind these fears, and we can always find ways to ease a child’s anxiety and help them have a peaceful night’s sleep, as seen in Liana and the Shadow in the Closet from the Afraid of the Dark bedtime series.

Liana, a sweet little girl, adores her room, except when the lights go out at bedtime. Every night, she would see a dark shape in her closet—a scary monster. It would move and grow, and as it did, Liana’s heart would beat faster. But Liana wasn’t alone in facing her fears. She had a caring big brother, Marco, who didn’t dismiss her concerns but instead helped her confront them. He also guided her to find a solution to banish any future bedtime fears.

Read Liana and the Shadow in the Closet to any child who shares Liana’s one-time fears. Follow Marco’s example and help the anxious child understand what they are truly seeing in the shadows or (in many real-life scenarios) hearing outside. Apply Marco’s illuminating idea to ward off future fears. Make this story a part of your bedtime routine and help empower your kids to face their fears head-on, instead of hiding away under the covers and losing out on much-needed sleep.

A beautiful sibling bond shone bright in Liana and the Shadow in the Closet. Each illustrative page felt like a screenshot from a cartoon. That’s the highest praise to an illustrator.

Share this beautiful and heartwarming story with children aged 3 to 9 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 8, 2025 · 7:00 am

Will’s Dream World: a children’s guide to having fun dreams and mastering nightmares by Will Nel (Book Review)

In this beautifully illustrated rhyming adventure, young Will discovers the secret to taking control of his dreams.

From scary spiders to teasing bullies, each nighttime challenge becomes an opportunity for courage, creativity, and self-mastery.

Perfect for children aged 3–7, Will’s Dream World empowers kids to face their fears and shape their own dreamscapes with confidence and imagination.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Nightmares can disrupt our peaceful sleep, causing us to wake in fright, with our hearts racing and bodies shaking. Children, especially, can have a strong reaction to these unsettling dreams. They might seek comfort in their parents’ beds or delay bedtime, fearing what might come in their dreams. In Will’s Dream World, a young boy grapples with similar fears that many children can relate to. A spider lurks, and a uni-lion monster roars and gives chase. The suspenseful and frightening dream shifts, showing the child screaming in terror as an animal is chomping at the bit to grab it. The dream takes an unexpected turn, mirroring the emotional turmoil many children face with school bullies.

Will faced many “monsters” in Will’s Dream World, but through the fear, he found his inner strength. He recalled his father’s wise words, reminding the sweet boy that these were his dreams, just silly thoughts that filled his head, which meant Will did have the power to change his thoughts. Kids will watch in amazement as Will defeats the villains one by one, becoming the hero of the story!

Introduce Will’s Dream World, a captivating rhyming story, into your child’s bedtime routine. Show them that, like Will, there’s nothing to fear in dreamland, and remind them that they have the power to change their story! Overcoming the fear of nightmares may take time, but reading Will’s Dream World every night might just speed up the process!

Although I appreciated the muted colors that indicated negative emotions in many of the dream sequences, unfortunately, one image had a significant flaw: a fleeing bully had his head facing the wrong direction, which could potentially confuse the child and disrupt the flow of the story. Other than that, this was a delightful story that will (hopefully) generate more pleasant dreams for all kids who battle the bedtime woes.

This book is designed to entertain and comfort children, providing a gentle way to address their fears and empower them to manage their nightmares. It’s a perfect book for children learning the difference between reality and fantasy, dealing with nightmares, or fans of stories where kids are the heroes!

Recommended reading age is 3-7 years.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Will Nel grew up on a sheep farm in remote South Africa, far from neighbours and more than 100 km from the nearest town. With only a handful of people in his early world, he developed a vivid inner life shaped by solitude, dreams, and the wide, open land.

Sent to boarding school at age six, Will learned early how to navigate loneliness, unfamiliar faces, and the need to stand his ground. Though his professional path took him far from storytelling — earning a PhD in energy studies and building a career as an engineer — the stories from his early years never left him.

Those long-held memories — of conquering dreams, building contraptions, and backyard expeditions — have found new life in the imaginative stories Will now enjoys sharing with children. Will’s Dream World is his first published book, drawing on the quiet resilience and emotional adventures of a childhood lived far off the beaten path.

Amazon Author Page Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 22, 2025 · 7:00 am

Horrors of the Household by Rocky Leplin (Book Spotlight)

Are there monsters in your house that you didn’t know were there until you started reading Horrors of the Household? How about the Staircase Slug?


The Staircase Slug climbs up it
Leaving slimy trails 
Then laughs in glee as you slide down it
On your fingernails.

 

Oh, but that hasn’t happened to you–yet! Well, you may find a lot of things have changed in your abode when you start reading this book, like the Bogey in the Basement, the Closet Creep, the Toothbrush Twirler, and watch out for Window Warts, they’re very sharp! By the end you may be glad the Attic Fanatic throws you out the window! At least you’ll be out of your house!

Horrors of the Household is similar to the poetry of the great writer-illustrator Shel Silverstein, and its audience is the same upper elementary age group, and their parents, and their friends. It is a collaboration between the author, who wrote the rhymed verse epic novel Humphrey’s Long Journey Away From the Sea, and a boy who lives across the street, who is a graphic arts genius–as you will see for yourself. They both recommend that you read Horrors with the light on–but watch out for the Lampshade Lurker, or you may wind up on the ceiling.

In one sentence, Booklisp has summed up the effect this book can have on you, when they wrote, “Thith book almotht thscared uth to death!”

Amazon Purchase Link

Check out its sequel: The Darker Possibilities

 

 

Meet the Author

Rocky Leplin

Author of six books of rhymed verse, including the epic novel Humphrey’s Long Journey Away from the Sea.

His next publication is called Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk, a field guide to ominous animals.

In 2020 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his story The Incredible Man-Eating Marshmallow.

In 2022 his wacky how-not-to manual A Psycho’s Guide to Animal Companionship— Instructions for the abnormal pet companion was a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

In 2023 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his poem The Apartment Building Bore.

In 2024 he was a Finalist in the Humor category of the Next Generation Short Story Awards for his story The Tumultuous Tire Revolution.

He has written three novels, the musical The Purpose of the Moon and over 500 songs, many of which can be heard on this website.

Website Link
Amazon Author Page Link
Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

February 7, 2025 · 7:00 am

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Stacie Green (Book Review)

Kindle is OUT NOW!
Hardcover Releases March 5th!

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a journey into the heart of Appalachian folklore and childhood wonder. In this beautifully illustrated memoir, Stacie Green shares the stories passed down by her grandparents, filled with signs from nature, superstitions, and folklore of creatures that roam the woods. Perfect for young readers ages 7-12 and educators exploring regional culture. This book invites readers to discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is an educational story divided into sections, offering insight into the Appalachian people, food, weather predictions, omens and superstitions, deaths and traditions, paranormal encounters, language, and influences/heritage. The writer also included an index and vocabulary section, resource lists, and festivals. But, before they dived into the mountain’s rich history, we learn what or, better yet, who inspired this book’s creation.

The author wrote Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a tribute to their grandparent and to preserve the Appalachian history for future generations. In the introduction, readers will discover how far the Appalachian Mountains stretch, its highest point, and which river measures the same length as the mountain range. The author graciously provides a map of thirteen states and details about this wondrous Blue Ridge Mountains. They also share a bit about their maternal grandparents, Howard and Lucy, and parental grandparents, Treva and Raymond. They taught Stacie Green (the writer) about the rich history of the mountains, how to be self-sufficient, and the importance of appreciating the beauty and abundance of nature. You can feel the author’s love for her family and gratitude for their teachings. Love and respect continue to be felt on every page of Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Uncover the full spectrum of information, starting with what cultures and animals call the mountains home and how people survive on the land. We learn how observing animals and insects signals rain is imminent, expect an early winter, snow is coming, or alerting us about upcoming bad weather. Read and store this section’s helpful info because it can be useful!

Though I enjoyed the list and explanations surrounding omens and superstitions, especially those focused on “death,” my favorite sections dealt with the paranormal world—the “otherworldly” creatures that also call the mountain home. The Wampus Cat, half human and half feline, was most fascinating. I had no idea of its theorized origin. The same goes for the Bell Witch Legend. While I wouldn’t like to cross paths with a Wendigo, Mothman, or Dogman, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Brown Mountain lights in North Carolina.

After we unravel the Appalachian language, the author steps back in time and gives us a history lesson on the native people. These factoids would make great conversation starters! For instance, did you know that the making of moonshine can be traced back to the 17th century? This is merely the tip of the iceberg of all the fascinating information you’ll learn and want to share with your family, friends, or students!

The text presentation hit a snag on a few occasions. The (sometimes) extra spacing between letters made a single world appear as two. Occasionally, it looked as if there was an attempt to erase a handwritten letter, but it didn’t entirely erase, leaving behind a wisp of lines. Those minor glitches aside, I highly recommend you read Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll walk away from the story with a new appreciation for Appalachian culture, particularly the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the writer’s family and many others call home.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

Reedsy’s Review Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Stacie Green is an author-illustrator based in North Carolina. She has written and illustrated several books featuring monsters including Monsters Need Breaks Too! and Monster Problems A to Z. Her illustrative style is richly colored, full of patterns, and brings nature and folklore together.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Website Link

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,