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Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective
Will Allen may be one of the smallest boys at Ashford Middle School, but he is also one of the smartest. But cleverness alone isn't enough to help him when monsters infest his room!
Together with his friend Jeannine Fitsimmons, Will searches fruitlessly for help, until a strange business card appears, instructing them how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, the Great Monster Detective. With Bigelow's help, along with the use of his very special monster-fighting instruments, the RevealeR and the MonsterScope, Will must learn how to conquer his monsters and reveal the secret of the dreaded HIDDEN BEAST before it's too late...
Together with his friend Jeannine Fitsimmons, Will searches fruitlessly for help, until a strange business card appears, instructing them how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, the Great Monster Detective. With Bigelow's help, along with the use of his very special monster-fighting instruments, the RevealeR and the MonsterScope, Will must learn how to conquer his monsters and reveal the secret of the dreaded HIDDEN BEAST before it's too late...
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2007
42 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Jason Edwards
6 books20 followersJason Edwards is an award-winning writer, artist, teacher, storyteller, producer of educational enrichment programs, and an authority on children’s anxieties who has over 30 years of experience developing innovative ways to entertain, instruct, and inspire children. His talent for addressing children's issues in a non-threatening manner has been featured in all forms of media and has earned him the Mom’s Choice Award for Family Friendly Media and an endorsement from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
When he is not busy authoring, Jason visits schools and libraries, performing his MONSTER HUNT Library Skills-Building Adventure (http://j81502.wix.com/monster-hunt-pr...) and his Destination: INSPIRATION InterACTIVE StoryCrafting Workshops. Jason lives in New York with his wife, daughters, and a rabbit named Bunniford who never comes when he is called.
When he is not busy authoring, Jason visits schools and libraries, performing his MONSTER HUNT Library Skills-Building Adventure (http://j81502.wix.com/monster-hunt-pr...) and his Destination: INSPIRATION InterACTIVE StoryCrafting Workshops. Jason lives in New York with his wife, daughters, and a rabbit named Bunniford who never comes when he is called.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 2, 2011
My 8 year old read this book and loved it. Any child who has a Teddy would love this book.
January 22, 2020
Cute story
My five year old son enjoyed this. He doesn't have anxiety about monsters but this book could be good for a child who does!
My five year old son enjoyed this. He doesn't have anxiety about monsters but this book could be good for a child who does!
November 6, 2011
Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective
By: Jason Edwards
ISBN: 9780978951207
Published September 15, 2007 by Rogue Bear Press
Available Format: Paperback, ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads’ Synopsis: Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective is the story of a smart but timid 5th grade boy haunted by fears that have literally come to life. He searches fruitlessly for help until a strange business card mysteriously appears in his book bag, instructing him how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, The Great Monster Detective. With Bigelow's help, along with the use of a very special flashlight and magnifying glass, Will must learn how to conquer his monsters and uncover the secret of the dreadful Hidden Beast before it's too late...
The story starts out innocently enough. Who hasn’t had a monster under their bed at some point? How handy would a Monster Detective have been back then? Pretty soon, however, Will finds out these aren’t your run of the mill monsters. I love how the author works some really serious issues (bullies, abuse, insecurities) into such a fun, entertaining story. What a great way to approach tough subjects.
Some of the monsters did scare my six-year-old a bit. (And I’ll admit my husband and I had a fun time teasing him a little, but then discussed with him about how monsters are really just our imagination.) In the end, however, he really did enjoy the story, and I love seeing him engaged with reading as much as he was with this book.
After finishing the Great Monster Detective, he signed up on the website to become an honorary Monster Detective. He thought that was super cool. There are other neat activities that he can do on the site, and we’ll be checking those out soon.
This is a great chapter book with a great message. I highly recommend it!
By: Jason Edwards
ISBN: 9780978951207
Published September 15, 2007 by Rogue Bear Press
Available Format: Paperback, ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads’ Synopsis: Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective is the story of a smart but timid 5th grade boy haunted by fears that have literally come to life. He searches fruitlessly for help until a strange business card mysteriously appears in his book bag, instructing him how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, The Great Monster Detective. With Bigelow's help, along with the use of a very special flashlight and magnifying glass, Will must learn how to conquer his monsters and uncover the secret of the dreadful Hidden Beast before it's too late...
The story starts out innocently enough. Who hasn’t had a monster under their bed at some point? How handy would a Monster Detective have been back then? Pretty soon, however, Will finds out these aren’t your run of the mill monsters. I love how the author works some really serious issues (bullies, abuse, insecurities) into such a fun, entertaining story. What a great way to approach tough subjects.
Some of the monsters did scare my six-year-old a bit. (And I’ll admit my husband and I had a fun time teasing him a little, but then discussed with him about how monsters are really just our imagination.) In the end, however, he really did enjoy the story, and I love seeing him engaged with reading as much as he was with this book.
After finishing the Great Monster Detective, he signed up on the website to become an honorary Monster Detective. He thought that was super cool. There are other neat activities that he can do on the site, and we’ll be checking those out soon.
This is a great chapter book with a great message. I highly recommend it!
November 26, 2013
"How To Remove A Monster From Under The Bed"
This child's book is geared for kids from 7 to 12 years of age. Young Will Allen, a 5th Grader, has always had the skills of a detective solving many issues around home for Mom and Dad. But this time, his task is too big for him alone to solve: there is a monster under his bed. His friend, Jeannine, lets him know she doesn't have anything thriving under her bed other than dust bunnies. Will has never seen the monster and it only makes noises during darkness. It's not a chipmunk or a mouse, even though the sounds are scratching noises and gurgling sounds. Will and Jeannine feel an expert is needed. So, during Math class, Will looks through the telephone book yellow pages under 'Exterminators,' which only earned him extra homework assignments from his irate teacher. He was lucky! On the bus home, Jeannine notices a business card sticking out of Will's backpack -- Monster Detective Agency, Bigelow Hawkins, with a note: "If you need me, hang a red flag out your window." And the service is free? Oh, no it's not! Bigelow doesn't want money, but something that Will has.... This is a cute, active story youngsters will love. It's very appealing and has several illustrations, with well written narration. Recommend primarily for boys ... who think someone lives under their bed or in a closet.
This child's book is geared for kids from 7 to 12 years of age. Young Will Allen, a 5th Grader, has always had the skills of a detective solving many issues around home for Mom and Dad. But this time, his task is too big for him alone to solve: there is a monster under his bed. His friend, Jeannine, lets him know she doesn't have anything thriving under her bed other than dust bunnies. Will has never seen the monster and it only makes noises during darkness. It's not a chipmunk or a mouse, even though the sounds are scratching noises and gurgling sounds. Will and Jeannine feel an expert is needed. So, during Math class, Will looks through the telephone book yellow pages under 'Exterminators,' which only earned him extra homework assignments from his irate teacher. He was lucky! On the bus home, Jeannine notices a business card sticking out of Will's backpack -- Monster Detective Agency, Bigelow Hawkins, with a note: "If you need me, hang a red flag out your window." And the service is free? Oh, no it's not! Bigelow doesn't want money, but something that Will has.... This is a cute, active story youngsters will love. It's very appealing and has several illustrations, with well written narration. Recommend primarily for boys ... who think someone lives under their bed or in a closet.
October 9, 2015
This book is an award winning book and I can see why. I know a few kids who like detective/mystery kinds of stories and this book delivers.
All kids at some point have some kind of fear. One of the biggest fears ever is just knowing that there is a monster hiding under the bed. The main character Allen is convinced of this and needs help.
Mysteriously, a small looking character arrives to help out. But who is he and what does he want for payment? Ah, now that is what you, my readers, have to discover for yourself.
Kid's normal fears, like huge, ugly monsters, or maybe a bully, are all in this book. However, the author cleverly shows children that they can be brave and help themselves to conquer their fears. In fact, throughout this entire book the author is a master at this fete.
Eventually, the fears go away and children can see, as Allen does, that they too can help others.
I loved this book! It is the beginning of an entire series based on Will and it is sure to please series that I hope to read more of.
Discclosure: I purchased a Kindle copy of this book. The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
All kids at some point have some kind of fear. One of the biggest fears ever is just knowing that there is a monster hiding under the bed. The main character Allen is convinced of this and needs help.
Mysteriously, a small looking character arrives to help out. But who is he and what does he want for payment? Ah, now that is what you, my readers, have to discover for yourself.
Kid's normal fears, like huge, ugly monsters, or maybe a bully, are all in this book. However, the author cleverly shows children that they can be brave and help themselves to conquer their fears. In fact, throughout this entire book the author is a master at this fete.
Eventually, the fears go away and children can see, as Allen does, that they too can help others.
I loved this book! It is the beginning of an entire series based on Will and it is sure to please series that I hope to read more of.
Discclosure: I purchased a Kindle copy of this book. The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
August 8, 2013
3.5 stars, 1st - 2nd graders (ages 6 - 8)
Cute little story about the monsters which most scare us and how we can learn to either overpower them or coexist.
5th grader Will has a scary monster under his bed and is also dealing with a bully at school (very mildly told): magically a card for a Monster Detective appears and together they learn to deal with Will's monster(s), thereby empowering Will.
I didn't much care for the parents in the book as I felt they wildly vacillated: warm and fuzzy in the beginning and then dismissive later on -- I understand they're human, but in such a short story maybe more subtly nuanced parents would've read better. My son thought the dad was a jerk because that's all he got from it (belittling Will's reaction to the bully) -- he didn't take away that Will's dad really loves Will and wants to keep Will safe. When I impressed that upon him he said "oh, I didn't really feel that Will's dad was on his side."
So a cute story which didn't hit the message hard enough. Written for advanced 1st graders / typical 2nd graders (ages 6 - 8).
Cute little story about the monsters which most scare us and how we can learn to either overpower them or coexist.
5th grader Will has a scary monster under his bed and is also dealing with a bully at school (very mildly told): magically a card for a Monster Detective appears and together they learn to deal with Will's monster(s), thereby empowering Will.
I didn't much care for the parents in the book as I felt they wildly vacillated: warm and fuzzy in the beginning and then dismissive later on -- I understand they're human, but in such a short story maybe more subtly nuanced parents would've read better. My son thought the dad was a jerk because that's all he got from it (belittling Will's reaction to the bully) -- he didn't take away that Will's dad really loves Will and wants to keep Will safe. When I impressed that upon him he said "oh, I didn't really feel that Will's dad was on his side."
So a cute story which didn't hit the message hard enough. Written for advanced 1st graders / typical 2nd graders (ages 6 - 8).
June 19, 2014
Well, that was weird, to say the least. Good weird, though, not bad weird.
Will Allen is smart, but small, but his smarts don't really help him all that much when monsters invade his room. He and his friend Jeannine happen to come across a mysterious monster hunter's business card. Bigelow Hawkins, the monster hunter, helps Will Allen fight his monsters and figure out the secrets behind the monster invasion.
I think younger elementary school age readers would probably get into the spirit of the story, though. It has some pretty good messages for kids about dealing with fear.
I felt like the author was sometimes attempting to channel a noir-esque tone while writing Will Allen's perspective.
I would say Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective is a combination between this:
and this:
Will Allen is smart, but small, but his smarts don't really help him all that much when monsters invade his room. He and his friend Jeannine happen to come across a mysterious monster hunter's business card. Bigelow Hawkins, the monster hunter, helps Will Allen fight his monsters and figure out the secrets behind the monster invasion.
I think younger elementary school age readers would probably get into the spirit of the story, though. It has some pretty good messages for kids about dealing with fear.
I felt like the author was sometimes attempting to channel a noir-esque tone while writing Will Allen's perspective.
I would say Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective is a combination between this:
and this:
July 18, 2013
Although Will, the main character, is in middle school, it seems like the book was written for a younger audience. Will has a monster under his bed and doesn't know how to get rid of it. A monster detective appears and helps him get rid of his monster, which turns out to be many monsters. The monsters are really his fears, which he has to face and conquer. The last and biggest monster is the worst of all, but Will manages to overcome him.
This is a different way to talk with children about their fears. I would suggest parents read the book first because it is rather violent. But Will conquers his fears in the end and the next book tells how he becomes a monster detective himself.
This is a different way to talk with children about their fears. I would suggest parents read the book first because it is rather violent. But Will conquers his fears in the end and the next book tells how he becomes a monster detective himself.
December 9, 2012
This was a fun MG book. I read it mostly to recommend it (or not) to friends with kids, but it was also a nice break from schoolbooks. It may be a little bit dark for little ones, but for school-aged kids it's a different way of talking about fears and how to deal with them. I would recommend for sensitive kids that parents it first or read along with them to discuss it together.
November 25, 2013
Maybe early Primary- aged kids (and younger) might like this, but as children's fiction goes I didn't find this book very compelling or well-crafted. But I'm somewhat older than 8 or so, so maybe I'm not a fair judge. I don't think I'd even read it to kids of that age group as a teacher ... But each to their own.
August 26, 2008
The author has written a book that turns a very serious issue into something fun and exciting for children. The book is about a little boy named Will Allen who with the help of The Great Monster Detective overcomes his fears and realizes his own strenth.
December 10, 2013
A not too subtle story about self-confidence and courage. Some creative aspects but a little odd as well. Didn't quite come together for me. I read it to see if it was something my daughter might like. She read it but wasn't impressed either (age 8).
March 5, 2012
Ooh, didn't finish this book. It was weird and not very good.
February 26, 2013
Generally a big fan of kids books, but this one wasn't good.
July 2, 2013
Bigelow Hawkins, The Great Monster Detective, is a wonderful character. My children enjoyed this book quite a lot. It is a great book to read aloud.
August 5, 2013
作为儿童读物，其实很不���，无厘头的想象力，以另一种方式教导孩子面对恐惧，如果我是6，7岁的时候看应该会很喜欢吧。但我不得不吐槽一下这本书的插画，其粗糙的画风（如果可以称之为画风的话）活生生把一本少儿读物变成了一本恐怖读物。
November 1, 2013
this book was ok. not my favorite but I still liked it. - anna
January 8, 2014
Best.Book.Ever.
You should read this book. It is the best book I've ever read. I'll read the whole series of books if you want me to.
You should read this book. It is the best book I've ever read. I'll read the whole series of books if you want me to.
November 18, 2014
It's an adventure of how your worse nightmares can scare you, but they always aren't what they seem.
January 11, 2017
Battle of the Books-Creative premise
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October 15, 2018People, monsters, and strange events collide to make this a page-turner for kids learning to read. Go to the Reading Tub to see our review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews