The Tickle Monster Is Coming! [Hardcover]

James Otis Thach (Author), David Barneda (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2008 | Age Level: 3 and up

Beware the frightful tickle monster! This silly, atmospheric bedtime story is one part wriggly anticipation, two parts fun as a little monster gets ready for bed—all the while dreading the arrival of the infamous Tickle Monster, who’s known for his relentless attack on toes, bellies, and every other ticklish place a young child—oops—a monster might have. Just right for bedtime giggles, this is a tuck-me-in story with a delightful twist.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—At bedtime, a young monster anxiously awaits the arrival of the Tickle Monster, a nocturnal creature that is never directly depicted in the artwork but nevertheless seems omnipresent: "His nose knows the scent of your toothpaste./His ears hear your pj's unfold./He senses your dread as you climb into bed—/he can see through your ceiling, I'm told." Peeking hesitantly from beneath his covers, the youngster notices ominous dark shadows on the wall. The rhyming verse builds anticipation of the impending attack. The Tickle Monster will show no mercy: "You'll squirm! You'll dance!/(You may wet your pants)." When the defenseless imp has had enough, the intruder will offer a hug, "wiggle under the rug,/and sink through a crack in the floor." The acrylic illustrations' somber brown and dark-green palette creates a spooky atmosphere. Although there are "giggles and grins" at the end, readers may be left with more of a sense of trepidation than of tongue-in-cheek playfulness.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

James Otis Thach remembers vividly what it was like to hide beneath the covers, awaiting a visit from the Tickle Monster. Sometimes he still does that! When not writing monster books, he runs a tutoring company with his twin brother. James lives in Los Angeles, California. www.jamesthach.com

David Barneda’s illustrations have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, film, the Web, and, from time to time, hanging in people’s homes. This is his first picture book. He lives in Sherman Oaks, California, and at one point he had a Ping-Pong table in his dining room. www.barneda.com

This is James and David’s first collaboration. They worked on The Tickle Monster Is Coming! at a local Krispy Kreme store, where James probably ate 300 doughnuts while they got the story and drawings ready.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; 1st edition (September 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599900114
• ISBN-13: 978-1599900117
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Otis Thach grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. His mother was a teacher and storyteller; his father a scientist and outdoorsman. James began his career in the entertainment industry, before turning his attention to education and children's books. He has a master's degree in educational therapy, and runs a tutoring company (with his twin) in Los Angeles. James' first two books are A Child's Guide to Common Household Monsters and The Tickle Monster is Coming. His third book, The Seal Pup, comes out in Spring, 2010.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We read tons of books in this house and this one is tops!, November 29, 2008

By 

MomofTwo (TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tickle Monster Is Coming! (Hardcover)

This one borrowed from the library is so good we'll be adding it to our home collection, in hardcover!

The rhyming tale of a monster who tickles is funny and makes light of an issue that bothers kids.

Its published by a house I've never heard of and I wonder if it'd get better circulation if done by someone like Harper Collins. I'm quite disappointed with Harper because they are publishing books with poor plots and seem to be doing all the celebrity books as well. The author of this book did a top notch job!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bedtime Monsters, November 11, 2008

By 

K. Walsh (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tickle Monster Is Coming! (Hardcover)

The Tickle Monster is Coming is a fun bedtime story perfect for those little ones who are scared of things that go bump in the night. The monsters in the book set up an easy and fun bedtime routine that ends in laughs for all. Your little monster will be laughing with anticipation every time you read this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An adorable gift!, January 31, 2009

By 

S. Kratz - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tickle Monster Is Coming! (Hardcover)

"The Tickle Monster is Coming" is a fun romp through a child's imaginative world. Beautifully illustrated, your kids will get swept up in the anticipation of the tickle monster's arrival. A must buy for little ones.