There's No Such Thing as Monsters

by Steve Smallman

Little Bear is beyond excited. And Big Bear is, too. For the first time ever, each is sleeping in his own bedroom, as all big bears do. But when Little Bear snuggles down to sleep without Big Bear, everything feels different. Is that a monster he sees and footsteps he hears? Who's slowly opening the door...? In this going-to-bed story beset by runaway imaginations, these brothers and "best buds" show their mutual care and concern for the other until both fall fast asleep. Pedler's illustrations in bold, primary colour practically leap off the page in a book honoring this childhood rite of passage.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Monsters, Animals, Family, Fantasy

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.

Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:

I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.

I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.

I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.

I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.

I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.

Reviews

[Cassie Veselovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bear is happy to be in his own room with his own big bed, but now can he fall asleep?! Typical fears arise, but Big bear is right there ready to provide comfort. The illustrations done with soft tones provide soothing support for the story. Despite the apple core that drives me crazy, the only thing holding me back from giving this a 5 out of 5 stars was that I felt it ended too abruptly. You get to the last page and feel that something is missing. Is Big Bear just going to stand in the doorway all night?! Maybe have him go back to his own room and fall asleep with a smile on his face listening to Little Bear snore?! Something!!! Anything! You cannot simply end a book with snoring sounds! Well, I guess you can - they did - but I wanted more! At least it did lead to a fun discussion of "what happens next"!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This book was so cute and definitely a fun read for elementary kids. It would be good for younger kids because it had a very cute lesson about how monsters aren't real and this is something that many kids fear. I loved the book for its lesson and cute pictures it had on each page. It is a book i would definitely recommend. It was one of my favorites I've read so far.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book about an older sibling helping a younger sibling transition to his own room. We all can see scary things in the dark and little bear does too. Big Bear comes and explains them all away. Its a great sibling book.

[Jaelyn Walker]

This is a very cute story of a bear that is scared of the dark. Many children may relate to bears fear. It shows how bear is trying to overcome his fear and be brave. He thinks he sees monsters when really they are just shadows. This book would keep children engaged until the very end!

[Nena Heesakkers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een prentenboek om eenmalig voor te lezen aan kinderen in de leeftijd van groep 1-2. Het kan aan de ene kant spannend voor ze zijn, omdat het gaat over het slapengaan. Anderzijds kan het ook juist helpend werken. Ik zou het boek eerder thuis in de kast zetten dan op school.

[Nur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nur is at an age where all scary things are called "wolf" and that is the name of the shadow here for her. Should not have read it before bed, she got scared at night and woke up a lot but she still liked it!

For me a little to simple.

[Rachel Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's No Such Thing as Monsters is a wonderful bed time story for children. It is about Little Bear getting his own room and thinking he see monsters so Big Bear has to rush to the rescue.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

[Yatharth Bhatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my favorite bed time stories

[Luella Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. The bears were adorable.

[Charlie Stubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about brothers and fears.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be very enjoyable for a kindergarten reading level. This book is about brother bears who are no longer sharing rooms. Little bear was a little nervous to sleep on his own for the first time because it is scary. As a child, this story is easy to relate with. At some point in time everyone has been afraid of a monster under their bed. The reader is able to relate to the story and predict how Little Bear will react compared to their own experiences. The pictures also help the reader understand the creepiness of Little Bears bedroom and the potential monsters in the room. The illustrations become darker when Little Bear is most frightened. Not only is this a relatable story for the reader, but the vocabulary is appropriate for young readers. This picture book also follows a storyline with the Little Bear and his big brother. Little Bears starts to feel afraid of the monsters in the room, but as the story progresses, Little Bear faces his fears and becomes a more brave bear. With that being said, Little Bear is also the main character who endures change throughout the story which leads for him to be a round character. Little Bear grew throughout the story like children grow over the years. The take away message is face your fears and becoming a stronger individual in the end. That is why this is an excellent choice for readers to explore and relate along with. For independent reading- Teachers can use this book to assign to children who are learning to be brave and share with their peers. Children reading at the beginning level are generally learning new things about the world each day which provides them with new experiences as well as providing them with new ideas about life. Children between the ages of 5-6 can enjoy this book and experience success while reading this book as well as learn a new lesson about being brave.

[Lule · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) No awards received.

2)Appropriate for children anywhere from Pre-K up until 2nd grade. (If using this for a 2nd grade class, recommend reading the story in the beginning of the year. Might sound childish if read towards the end of the year.

3) Little Bear is bittersweet about getting his own room. He's excited and feels like a grown-up because he is moving out of his big brother's room. However once bedtime comes around, Little Bear shares his nighttime journey with the various "monsters." Little Bear learns a valuable life lesson at the end.

4) Personally I enjoy reading this story to children. I have read this during group time. Children loved the story. Children are able to relate to the story.

5) Children can create something they fear or worry about and we'll have a talk-it-out time. The children can discuss why the thing scared them. Recommend this be broken up into small groups for teacher assistance.

Children can reenact their own fears to the rest of the class. Small groups ideal so all the children can participate.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bear is happy to be in his own room with his own big bed, but now can he fall asleep?! Typical fears arise, but Big bear is right there ready to provide comfort. The illustrations done with soft tones provide soothing support for the story. Despite the apple core that drives me crazy, the only thing holding me back from giving this a 5 out of 5 stars was that I felt it ended too abruptly. You get to the last page and feel that something is missing. Is Big Bear just going to stand in the doorway all night?! Maybe have him go back to his own room and fall asleep with a smile on his face listening to Little Bear snore?! Something!!! Anything! You cannot simply end a book with snoring sounds! Well, I guess you can - they did - but I wanted more! At least it did lead to a fun discussion of "what happens next"!

[Christine Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bear is beyond excited. And Big Bear is, too. For the first time ever, each is sleeping in his own bedroom, as all big bears do. But when Little Bear snuggles down to sleep without Big Bear, everything feels different. Is that a monster he sees and footsteps he hears? Who's slowly opening the door...' In this going-to-bed story beset by runaway imaginations, these brothers and "best buds" show their mutual care and concern for the other until both fall fast asleep. Pedler's illustrations in bold, primary colour practically leap off the page in a book honoring this childhood rite of passage.


Subject:
Bedtime -- Juvenile fiction
Monsters -- Juvenile fiction
Bears -- Juvenile fiction

[MissInformation · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little bear is sleeping for the first time alone in his new big bed. He has predictable fears, but after he is comforted by his big brother bear he falls asleep. Adds a touch of humor when big brother bear, hearing terrible snort and snurfle noises, wonders if there really is a monster in little bear's room- and it turns out to be little bear snoring.
With the uber cute pastel and paint illustrations of Pedler.
Ok for Story Time.

[Angela Record · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has wonderful bright illustrations. The plot is simple, but teaches children that theres no such thing as monsters, but it also implies family realtionships. Its great to teacher children about siblings.

[Kelly Thevenot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a a good book about a child who is so excited about his new room and when it is time to go to bed he gets uneasy. His parents are there for him and there is nothing to be scared about. It would be a good story to read during down time.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for young children. Little bear gets a big bed and is scared of monsters. His big brother bear teases him slightly but also looks out for him. In the end there are no monsters and everything is perfectly fine!

[Smith Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect story about baby bear learning to sleep in his own room. He is away from his brother for the first time and keeps seeing "monsters" when ever big brother leaves. Really nice bedtime story about siblings!

[Kendra Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to teach children that it is ok to be scared, and that not all things are like they appear.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

32 months - Picked this up from Costco in a box set with another book. Makes for a cute bedtime read.

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little bear got his own room. J.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Bear is excited about his first night in his own bedroom, but the room seems far too quiet and dark and he calls for Big Bear to chase away the monsters.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story with adorable illustrations!

[Sharlet Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is such a great story and so true when young children grow up and get moved into their own room. I love the closeness of the little bear and big bear. Just makes me smile everything I read it.

[Sagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid's Review: "No, his name is Papa, not Big Bear." Related it to getting his own room and read it several times, with the characters renamed.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theres no such thing as monsters by steve smallman is a book about growing up is hard for two brothers who finally have their own rooms

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable kids book!!

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute bedtime story. Illustration are really good.