When I was much younger, my sister and I used to play a game called Witching Hour where our imaginations allowed ghosties and ghoulies and other beasties to roam our back yard in that special time between dusk and darkness. But never in my wildest dreams did I ever consider buying one of the monsters to just hang around my house!
My friend, Tara Lazar, created an idea in her delightful debut picture book, THE MONSTORE, where children can purchase talented creatures to assist them in handling an array of problems.
When Zack decides to purchase Manfred the monster to help keep his little sister Gracie out of his bedroom, he thinks all his problems are solved. He doesn't plan on Gracie teaming up with Manfred to turn the tables on him. He wants his money back but quickly finds out there are no returns, no exchanges, and no refunds. What's a brother to do? Why, buy another monster of course!
This wonderfully creative story from a talented debut author blends well with the gorgeous illustrations done by the equally talented illustrator James Burks. Children of all ages will laugh at the surprise ending of THE MONSTORE and I'm sure there will be some writers (myself included) who will think to themselves, "Why didn't I think of that first?!"
I brought my copy of Tara's book to my TaeKwonDo school and read it to my kids during our daily story time. They LOVED it! If that is any indication of potential success, I would be willing to bet THE MONSTORE will become a smash hit!
THE MONSTORE can be found at IndiBound (http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442420175), Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Monstore-Tara-Lazar/dp/1442420170/), and at BN.com (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-monstore-tara-lazar/1113243861). This book is published by Alladin/Simon & Schuster and the ISBN # is 9781442420175.
For more information about Tara, check out her website at http://taralazar.com, keep up with her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/taralazar) or check out her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/authortara).
Too cute, I'm sure it will do well! What an awesome concept!
ReplyDeleteI must apologize for not participating more on your blog, especially flash fiction Friday, I get copies via email, and love them still, but my mind can't seem to get out of editing mode for my books right now. I need lots of walks just to stay sane! When my crazy mind calms down, I'll be back, I promise!
Hi Yolanda! I agree...it is a cute book! Don't worry about not being able to participate in Flash Fiction Friday right now...editing is more important and I suspect you will have more opportunities in the future to join in the fun...;~)
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Great book! fun to read. Looking for a Monstore in my neighborhood.... not for sisters, but wondering if there's one that might chase woodchucks from my garden & keep deer away.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue! Wouldn't it be great to have our own Monstore down on the corner when we needed it?
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I really want to write a younger child book and it's all your fault. I missed out telling my boys bedtime stories because of the divorce but I used to tell my girls bedtime stories. I never read to them I just told of happy things I remembered as a kid. They loved it. It might be just because I was their dad abd taking the time for them, I don't know. But if they liked my stories then surely others might.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was at sea I used to send recordings of me reading a child's book for my boys. I was told they were well received but it is nothing like seeing their faces as they listened hanging on every word. The tapes I sent the boys were rather monotone with no audience but when I told my girls stories the look of wonder on their faces changed my tones and they were no longer lifeless and flat.
reading to your children or telling them stories is an important part of their development and has been since man was capable of coherent speech. How many times in our lives do we look back and wonder 'if only...'
Hi JP! Despite what you might be inclined to think about the future of your writing, I believe strongly that you ARE a writer and it's not something one can simply turn on and off like a light switch. Believe me...I know...I tried unsuccessfully for over 20 years and look at me now. People seem to be interested in the stories I write so I think I will continue to do what I was born to do...
DeletePS...I will want to read your children's books as much as I want to read your current ones...;~)
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Donna, you and your sister (me) sound like (strange) imaginative children. But didn't we have fun?
ReplyDeleteMonstore-I like that idea.
Hi Janet! Yes, we had a WONDERFUL time with the Witching Hour...just wish I could remember everything we said and did back then...might make for some good stories. And as for the Monstore...if you ask real nice, I just might let you see my copy...;~)
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That back doorsteps were our "safe place" during the witching hour.
DeleteThat's almost all I can actually remember about it...lying on the back steps...
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What a fantabulous idea for a book! I hope Tara sells a million copies. It certainly sounds like something my younger grandchildren would love.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan! It really is a cute book and I too hope she sells a million copies...;~)
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Thanks for reminding me. I need to get my copy now! And yes, i did ask myself THE question, "why didn't I think of that?" I haven't read it but have read a lot about it and its premise. I love it even before I read it. Is that possible? i think so.
ReplyDeleteHi Romelle! It has a special place on my bookshelf reserved for extra special books ...;~)
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I love THE MONSTORE! I agree. . .what a great idea for a PB!
ReplyDeleteHi Penny! It makes me wonder what her next book is all about...
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