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!
