Amanda Noll
Born and raised in Canberra, Australia, Amanda Noll moved to the United States as a teen. After marrying her college sweetheart, she began working in the purchasing division of a private university (which was ironic, since she despises shopping). Amanda left the business world to attend to the business of raising children, and to concentrate on her writing. She blames her fundamentally twisted sense of humor on either genetics or being raised on a steady stream of Australian humor and science fiction. I Need My Monster is her first picture book.
Amanda lives in Spanaway, Washington with her husband and children. The monster under her bed is named Gertie.
I Need My Monster written by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam
Blurb:
One night, when Ethan checks under the bed for his monster, he finds a note instead:
“Gone fishing. Back in a week. -Gabe”
What will Ethan do? He needs a monster under his bed. How is he supposed to get to sleep if his monster is gone?
Substitute monsters appear, but none are just right. Herbert’s teeth aren’t sharp enough, Mack’s slobbering induces giggles, Cynthia’s tail isn’t scary at all, and Ralph has nail polish on his claws! This will never work! How will Ethan ever get to sleep without his monster?
I Need My Monster is a unique monster-under-the-bed story for all monster-loving kids. The perfect balance of giggles and shivers will keep them under their covers, and they’ll soon be sleeping soundly.
Product Details:
I Need My Monster
Reading level: Ages 4-8 – Picture Book
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Flashlight Press (April 1, 2009)
Price: $16.95
Reviews:
I Need My Monster is a must-read for any discerning monster-lover. A perfect bedtime companion. I’m keeping one copy on the nightstand, and one under the bed! –Edward Hemingway, Bump in the Night
Noll turns the tables on monster fears by introducing readers to Ethan, a little boy who can’t fall asleep without the ragged breathing and claw-scratching of his favorite monster, Gabe. But Gabe has left a note that he’s gone fishing, so Ethan knocks on his floor to summon a series of substitute ghoulies.
Herbert, a horned green thing in a vest, doesn’t even have claws. And Ralph, a four-eyed, six-armed blob, has claws, but they’re painted and manicured. And Cynthia-well, no hard feelings, but a boy wants a boy monster, not a girl.
Noll’s slyly humorous text is a suitably wry counterpoint to McWilliam’s dark-hued, exaggerated paintings of the bobble-headed Ethan and his alternately scary and silly beasts. The entire effort strikes a nice balance between creepy and comforting, but especially endearing is Gabe’s early return home as he huddles beneath the bed like a faithful dog and says, “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to start the evening with an ominous puddle of drool.” That’s friendship for you. – Daniel Kraus, Booklist
For more information and additional reviews, please see
http://www.flashlightpress.com/I_Need_My_Monster.html
A perfect book for grandparents to share with grandkids!
For more information about Jim, please see www.jimwhiting.com. To inquire about availability of specific titles or to send a comment, write him at jimruns3@gmail.com.
JIM WHITING