One night, when Ethan reaches under his bed for a toy truck, he finds this note instead: "Monsters! Meet here for final test." Ethan is sure his parents are trying to trick him into staying under the covers, until he sees five colorful sets of eyes blinking at him from beneath the bed. Soon, a colorful parade of quirky, squeaky little monsters compete to become Ethan's monster. But only the little green monster, Gabe, has the perfect blend of stomach-rumbling and snorting needed to get Ethan into bed and keep him there so he falls asleep—which as everyone knows, is the real reason for monsters under beds. With its perfect balance of giggles and shivers, this silly-spooky prequel to the award-winning I Need My Monster and Hey, That's MY Monster! will keep young readers entertained.

Unique in its coverage of contemporary American children's literature, this timely, single-volume reference covers the books our children are--or should be--reading now, from board books to young adult novels. Enriched with dozens of color illustrations and the voices of authors and illustrators themselves, it is a cornucopia of delight. 23 color, 153 b&w illustrations.

An anthology of short stories and poetry, particularly stories with morals, collected from the literature read by children of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

In Mrs. Molesworth's 'Us,' An Old Fashioned Story, readers are transported to a charming and nostalgic world where family, friendship, and moral lessons take center stage. Written in a clear and engaging prose style, the book exemplifies the sentimental and didactic nature of Victorian children's literature. Set in a quaint English countryside, the story follows the lives of siblings Tom and May as they navigate the challenges of growing up with grace and integrity. Through heartwarming and relatable scenarios, Mrs. Molesworth skillfully weaves a tale that is both entertaining and instructive. Drawing on themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the importance of familial bonds, 'Us' offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era of innocence and simplicity. Mrs. Molesworth, a prolific writer of children's literature, was known for her ability to capture the imaginations of young readers while imparting valuable lessons. Her own experiences as a mother and educator likely influenced the timeless themes present in 'Us.' Fans of classic children's literature and those seeking wholesome storytelling with a moral compass will find 'Us' to be a delightful and enriching read.

First published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.