Bedtime is a challenge for many families and books are usually involved. It is always fun to find a new book to add to the routine.
THE LULLABY MONSTERS
By Cynthia Mackey (author) and Paula Nasmith (illustrator)
Themes: Siblings, bedtime, facing fears
Early chapter book for ages 4-8
Brave Kelsey always knows just what her brother, Thomas, needs – bandages, sandwiches, and help finding lost teddy bears. But there is one thing that Kelsey is afraid of, Monsters. So, when the monsters who live under the bed take Thomas’ beloved lullaby box, she must face her fears to get the box back or there will be no sleep in their home.
The relationship between the siblings develops through dialog in six short chapters. Kelsey discovers that the little monsters are a lot like her brother. They also need snacks, stories, and lullabies to get to sleep.
You should add this to your bedtime shelf because:
- This book appeals to the picture book crowd as well as children just learning to read. In fact, it’s a lovely story for older children to read to their younger sibling.
- The monsters are darling and have their own little personalities. Children will enjoy the illustrations and be inspired to draw their own bedtime monsters based on the ones in this book.
- Kids will laugh as they recognize their own bedtime routines.
For more information visit author Cynthia Mackey’s website where she shares this recipe for Lullaby Monster Cookies as well as book reviews, book related activities, and lots more.
Recipe for Monster Cookies
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 – 3/4 cup candy coated chocolate pieces
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
Step 2
In a very large bowl, cream together the margarine, butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and rolled oats; stir into the sugar mixture. Mix in chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolate pieces. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Step 3
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden. If you like chewy cookies, take them out before they look done.
Claire, Thank you for this post! What a pleasure to see the kids with the book and the monster cookies too! I hope children will enjoy this book as part of their bedtime routine and can develop confidence in their skills as beginning readers while enjoying Paula’s cute monster illustrations.