Children's Picture Book Database at Miami University

When Milo reads book after book before bed, he does not expect to find a book on monsters. Milo should not have read that book because now he is afraid! Through the window, he uses a flashlight to summon his neighbor who is also his best friend, Mel. In a series of exchanges, the two discuss how to scare the monster by words and gestures. When they both make monster hands, the monster is gone! Now Milo feels braver, and the two gesture a hug from window to window.

Variations on traditional children's songs and poems will have children chiming in about cactuses, camels, and more as they learn about the desert habitat and its flora and fauna. A tarkawara (kangaroo rat) hops on the desert sand instead of a kookaburra sitting in an old gum tree. And teapots aren't the only things that are short and stout-just look at the javelina's hooves and snout. Travel the world's deserts to dig with meerkats, fly with bats, and hiss with Gila monsters! Whether sung or read aloud, "Deep in the Desert" makes learning about deserts anything but dry.

A little boy doesn't want to go to bed. He whines. He cries. He throws a tantrum. He begins to grow a tail. What? A tail? It's true! This little boy is not only acting like a monster, he turns into one! He growls a scary growl. He grows long hair and sharp claws. But, his parents know what to do. They calmly cuddle, rock, and sing to him. Here is a monster you might actually want to snuggle with as bedtime draws near.