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Monster Problems
Sixth-grader Brad makes the mistake of drawing instead of paying attention in class. When Brad’s parents ground him from drawing, his bratty little brother Daley rubs it in. Later that night, Brad is surprised when a mysterious crow delivers a pen to his bedroom window. Missing his beloved drawing and frustrated with his brother, Brad uses the pen to draw a Daley-Destroyer, a giant slimy green creature that he envisions “getting” Daley. To Brad’s surprise, the pen is a magic pen, and the Daley-Destroyer comes to life, just as he imagined it, slime and all, and starts going after Daley! To makes things worse, only he and Daley can see it! Can Brad erase his monster problem before it’s too late?
- GenresChildrensMiddle Grade
164 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2019
51 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read
About the author
Jason R. Lady
4 books55 followersJason is an army brat who grew up moving around a total of seven times on military bases from Germany to Fort Knox, Kentucky. At each new school, Jason would make friends by starring his classmates in his own superhero stories. In his free time, Jason can be found listening to 1980’s music, working on visiting all the MLB baseball stadiums, and following the Cleveland Guardians. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He lives with his wife in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason's books have been accepted to the Ohioana Library Association Book Festival, the Kentucky Book Festival, and the Heartland Book Festival. His second novel Super Problems was a Maxy Awards finalist and is certified IndieReader Approved.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 28, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A kid spends all of this time drawing when he should be paying attention in school. He gets grounded, and his parents take away his drawing materials. His little brother is also on his case.
Then a crow brings him a magical pen.
He draws a monster to destroy his little brother and it comes to life. The kid and some friends have to stop the monster.
Not bad, but definitely for kids.
A kid spends all of this time drawing when he should be paying attention in school. He gets grounded, and his parents take away his drawing materials. His little brother is also on his case.
Then a crow brings him a magical pen.
He draws a monster to destroy his little brother and it comes to life. The kid and some friends have to stop the monster.
Not bad, but definitely for kids.
December 6, 2019
My 10-year-old son absolutely loved this book! It is fun, imaginative and captivating. He didn't want to put it down and read it in the course of one say. He then asked if it was part of a series because he wanted more. Five stars.
February 12, 2020
Fantastic sibling rivalry tale that will appeal to any 10-year-old with a younger sibling. When Brad gets in trouble, his younger brother does what any self-respecting sibling does--he rubs it in. That is until Brad's drawing comes to life. Great book that hopefully gets a sequel.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
January 3, 2020
A Monstrously Funny Tale
Right down to its playful title, Monster Problems by Jason R. Lady is marked by fun and cleverness. Sixth-grader Brad humorously tells his story about how a monster he drew came to life. Following a series of curious incidents revolving around a huge crow and a very special pen, Brad draws a slimy green monster designed to attack his brilliant, trouble-making little brother Daley. The author deals with this sibling rivalry in ways that manage to be both inventive and realistic.
Daley is truly a piece of work – ingeniously blackmailing Brad at every turn. Brad describes his brother: “Daley could appear totally calm and innocent and really be cooking up an evil plan inside that giant brain of his.” When the slimy green monster (called the Daley-Destroyer) comes to life, the creature turns out to be quite the amusing and resourceful goon, looking to attack Daley even when his creator doesn’t want him to persist. As the Daley-Destroyer says with terrific irony: “So rest easy Brad … Your Daley-Destroyer is on the case.”
Monster Problems is filled with memorable characters like the mysterious girl known as Blue Hoodie and the art teacher Mr. Octagon, who has a few surprises up his sleeve. Speaking of surprises, Principal Jones has his own set of issues and concerns that add to the zaniness of this engaging story. And finally, Brad’s loyal friend Quentin is a shameless moocher who is the source of many laughs. As Brad says of Quentin with a world-weary acceptance, “One time I saw him pull a pork chop of his pocket and I didn’t even blink.”
While this novel is filled with delights, Monster Problems steadily delivers some valuable lessons about figuring out personal motives and getting beyond petty jealousies. Those ideas hit home because the author never talks down to his middle grade audience. The humor can be a bit dark and edgy at times which gives all the festivities, especially when the robot 3D comes to life, an extra bite. As a teacher of thirty years, I believe Monster Problems is great novel to give to younger readers: it will hold their attention and give them something to think about afterwards.
Right down to its playful title, Monster Problems by Jason R. Lady is marked by fun and cleverness. Sixth-grader Brad humorously tells his story about how a monster he drew came to life. Following a series of curious incidents revolving around a huge crow and a very special pen, Brad draws a slimy green monster designed to attack his brilliant, trouble-making little brother Daley. The author deals with this sibling rivalry in ways that manage to be both inventive and realistic.
Daley is truly a piece of work – ingeniously blackmailing Brad at every turn. Brad describes his brother: “Daley could appear totally calm and innocent and really be cooking up an evil plan inside that giant brain of his.” When the slimy green monster (called the Daley-Destroyer) comes to life, the creature turns out to be quite the amusing and resourceful goon, looking to attack Daley even when his creator doesn’t want him to persist. As the Daley-Destroyer says with terrific irony: “So rest easy Brad … Your Daley-Destroyer is on the case.”
Monster Problems is filled with memorable characters like the mysterious girl known as Blue Hoodie and the art teacher Mr. Octagon, who has a few surprises up his sleeve. Speaking of surprises, Principal Jones has his own set of issues and concerns that add to the zaniness of this engaging story. And finally, Brad’s loyal friend Quentin is a shameless moocher who is the source of many laughs. As Brad says of Quentin with a world-weary acceptance, “One time I saw him pull a pork chop of his pocket and I didn’t even blink.”
While this novel is filled with delights, Monster Problems steadily delivers some valuable lessons about figuring out personal motives and getting beyond petty jealousies. Those ideas hit home because the author never talks down to his middle grade audience. The humor can be a bit dark and edgy at times which gives all the festivities, especially when the robot 3D comes to life, an extra bite. As a teacher of thirty years, I believe Monster Problems is great novel to give to younger readers: it will hold their attention and give them something to think about afterwards.
December 28, 2019
What a fun and captivating book! Great story telling by Jason Lady. Excited to share this book with the students that I teach!
December 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I don't usually read a whole lot of fantasy or science fiction, but this book was fun, had an exciting plot, and interesting characters. I really felt like this world was colorful and unique and I found myself wanting to know what happens beyond this story when it was over. Well done!
February 7, 2020
Brad Michael (son/brother, 6th-grader) was busy drawing instead of paying attention in class.
His parents grounded him from drawing.
Daley Michael (son/brother) teases Brad & rubs it in.
At night a crow delivers a pen to Brad’s bedroom window.
What did Brad draw to entertain himself?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s (age MS) monster story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s monster movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Black Rose Writing; BookGorilla; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
His parents grounded him from drawing.
Daley Michael (son/brother) teases Brad & rubs it in.
At night a crow delivers a pen to Brad’s bedroom window.
What did Brad draw to entertain himself?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s (age MS) monster story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s monster movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Black Rose Writing; BookGorilla; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 29, 2020
Monster Problems is very relatable for most. Everyone has a talent or a skill that others are not happy with or do not respect, or a sibling who drives them crazy. Brad's anger and sadness is human and relatable, but over the course of the story he learns the importance of not taking out those feelings on others, and discovers his true feelings for his brother. What we decide to do with our emotions is what defines us.
I loved the magical pen! Personally, I have always loved to imagine bringing my art to life. The writing quality of Monster Problems was amazing. The similes and metaphors used on every page were fun to read and extremely effective in emphasizing the importance of his emotions or an idea. Saying you feel like you are trapped in a trash compactor, or feeling "like a knight ready to slay an evil dragon" is amazing! Lady goes above and beyond in his descriptions of everyday occurrences, which was fun to read. The fighting scenes against the monsters were terrific and like an action-movie! Monster Problems was fun and full of laughter!
You can see this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com!
I loved the magical pen! Personally, I have always loved to imagine bringing my art to life. The writing quality of Monster Problems was amazing. The similes and metaphors used on every page were fun to read and extremely effective in emphasizing the importance of his emotions or an idea. Saying you feel like you are trapped in a trash compactor, or feeling "like a knight ready to slay an evil dragon" is amazing! Lady goes above and beyond in his descriptions of everyday occurrences, which was fun to read. The fighting scenes against the monsters were terrific and like an action-movie! Monster Problems was fun and full of laughter!
You can see this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com!
January 26, 2020
Great book for third through fifth graders. Brad, a 6th grader, loves to draw but often gets in trouble for it. His younger brother, Daley, who is usually a thorn in his side often tells on him and talks down to him. After getting in trouble for drawing in class, Brad is grounded, sent to his room and all his drawing utensils taken. As he sits in his room, a large crow delivers a magic pen. He uses it to create a green, slimy stinky monster to destroy his brother called the Daley-Destroyer. The picture comes to life and the monster goes about trying to destroy his brother. Brad comes up with a plan to combat the destroyer, with the help of several friends and a teacher. His plan goes awry and they end up coming up with some comical alternatives. It ends with some good lessons learned and a change in several relationships. I would definitely recommend this entertaining book.
August 9, 2020
The kind of kids's book kids actually love to read! This author is spot on!!
What refreshing storytelling! Not only was this story entertaining from beginning to end, but it has laugh out loud humor and real genuine heart. Jason has the incredibly rare talent of being able to write through the lens of middle school and authentically capture that era in the most relatable way possible! This book is fun for all ages and took me back to junior high in all the best ways! I very much look forward to reading the next book in this series!
What refreshing storytelling! Not only was this story entertaining from beginning to end, but it has laugh out loud humor and real genuine heart. Jason has the incredibly rare talent of being able to write through the lens of middle school and authentically capture that era in the most relatable way possible! This book is fun for all ages and took me back to junior high in all the best ways! I very much look forward to reading the next book in this series!
April 1, 2021
My two grandchildren and I read this together. We hated to stop but wanted the fun to continue. They drew what they thought the principal looked like and what Mr Octagon looked like. We also discussed what they thought was going to happen or why they thought the author had written something the way they did.
It was a super read and now I see there is number 1 I need to look for it. It was funny and yet had some things to learn in it too.
It was a super read and now I see there is number 1 I need to look for it. It was funny and yet had some things to learn in it too.
January 26, 2020
A fun book full of adventure and laughs
I really enjoyed this book! The lead character was a believable middle school boy trying to battle math class boredom, tattletale little brothers and well..monsters. I read this to my seven year old son. He laughed out loud and looked forward to bedtime. We both did. Overall, it’s a great book.
I really enjoyed this book! The lead character was a believable middle school boy trying to battle math class boredom, tattletale little brothers and well..monsters. I read this to my seven year old son. He laughed out loud and looked forward to bedtime. We both did. Overall, it’s a great book.
February 13, 2020
Cause and effect
Like any children's story, they are only interested in the here and now, not imagining what will happen if.... My son always wanted to be king so he could kill all the people that were mean to him. I asked who would be left to be king over if he killed everybody off. Once you figure out what exactly you want to stop the solutions become less violent.
Like any children's story, they are only interested in the here and now, not imagining what will happen if.... My son always wanted to be king so he could kill all the people that were mean to him. I asked who would be left to be king over if he killed everybody off. Once you figure out what exactly you want to stop the solutions become less violent.
July 31, 2020
This is a fun and lively fantasy/adventure story for the elementary school reader. It has lots of excitement, some interesting characters (kids and adults) and moves rapidly. A good chapter book for the beginner that they will enjoy.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
July 12, 2023
This is such a fun middle grade book. I read it with my 10-year-old daughter and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a clever concept, with a likeable and relatable narrator, and some fun and zany antics in the climactic battle scene. Now that I've finished it, I keep thinking about what I would draw with a magic pen....
February 5, 2020
Awesome
I really enjoyed this book. The characters and plot were well written. In fact, even the monsters were awesome and not scary. I found myself laughing out loud a lot. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters and plot were well written. In fact, even the monsters were awesome and not scary. I found myself laughing out loud a lot. I highly recommend this book.
March 14, 2020
Fantastic, Mindblowing
I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK. it's funny witty, sweet and crazy. The writing, the concept, the beauty. Man, this book is nuts. I can't stop drooling over this book. I am looking forward to more books from this author. 😍😍😍 in love with this book!!!!!
I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK. it's funny witty, sweet and crazy. The writing, the concept, the beauty. Man, this book is nuts. I can't stop drooling over this book. I am looking forward to more books from this author. 😍😍😍 in love with this book!!!!!
October 10, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting the author and his wife at a baby shower. The twinkle in Jason’s eye when he explained the premise of his books made me want to read them. This was a really fun book. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 27, 2020
Excellent!!!
May 1, 2020
Perfect read for your 3-6 graders with imagination! Brad likes to draw. Watch a magic pen and Brad's drawings come alive. What happens when Brad designs a monster to destroy his younger brother? See how Brad, his brother, his teacher, and a few special friends, conquer the monster before it's too late.
February 5, 2024
Monster problems is a pretty good book. I would give this book 3.5 stars.
January 18, 2021
Monster Problems is a story that will satisfy readers of Middle Grade fantasy/adventure fiction, along with the bonus of having emotional depth. Not only does it trace the fun adventures of a boy and his magic pen that accidentally creates a quirky yet potentially malevolent monster, it touches on more serious topics such as the power of friendship and the realities of sibling jealousy. Best of all, its conclusion leaves the door open for further adventures! Great voice, likable characters, surprising plot. Terrific read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews