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The Boy Who Made Monsters
A one-of-a-kind tale of love, loss, laughter and hope, from award-winning author Jenny Pearson.
Benji McLaughlin is a visionary. He believes in things other people think are impossible, like that he and his brother Stanley will be happy living with their uncle, and that the Loch Lochy monster is real, and that his parents will come home safely one day.
So when he finds out that Uncle Hamish's holiday business is struggling, Benji's not worried. He has a visionary plan. Together with his new friends, Murdy and Mr Dog, he sets off to prove that the Loch Lochy monster exists, and bring tourists flooding in.
But Benji might have to confront different monsters to the one he expects.
Benji McLaughlin is a visionary. He believes in things other people think are impossible, like that he and his brother Stanley will be happy living with their uncle, and that the Loch Lochy monster is real, and that his parents will come home safely one day.
So when he finds out that Uncle Hamish's holiday business is struggling, Benji's not worried. He has a visionary plan. Together with his new friends, Murdy and Mr Dog, he sets off to prove that the Loch Lochy monster exists, and bring tourists flooding in.
But Benji might have to confront different monsters to the one he expects.
- GenresFamilyFriendship
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2023
6 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Pearson
36 books101 followersJenny Pearson is a technical writer and an artist who loves to write and draw. She enjoys working with kids, whether it's engaging them with arts and crafts activities, helping them learn basic concepts, or just inspiring cute moments. With loads of patience, sunny smiles, and a healthy dose of kindness, almost any day can be a great day.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 4, 2024
A touching middle-grade novel that blends humour with deep emotional themes. The story follows Benji and his brother Stanley, who move to Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish after their parents go missing at sea. Benji, ever the optimist, believes in the Loch Lochy monster and hopes to prove its existence to save his uncle's business. His imaginative plans lead to humorous adventures, but underlying these are poignant explorations of grief and hope.
Pearson addresses bereavement through a child's eyes, creating relatable characters and a heartfelt narrative. The book’s charm lies in its balance of laughter and emotional depth, making it a standout for both young readers and adults
Pearson addresses bereavement through a child's eyes, creating relatable characters and a heartfelt narrative. The book’s charm lies in its balance of laughter and emotional depth, making it a standout for both young readers and adults
July 9, 2023
The Boy Who Made Monsters follows Benji and his brother Stanley up to the Scottish Loch to live with their uncle after their parents go missing. The story is told from eleven year old Benji’s perspective and as such I would say this is on the younger end of middle grade.
Benji is an entertaining narrator who despite all the upheaval in his life is willing to go all in to help his uncle’s ailing business and he takes us along for the ride with a lot of humour. I can’t help thinking that this is also a note to us all to look out for the people we think as coping well when something difficult happens. Under the surface all may not be well and their flippers may be paddling wildly.
The topic of grief is approached with sensitivity and we get to see a few different ways that individuals cope with it. The relationship between Benji and his brother Stanley was well developed, from standard sibling fights to fighting for your sibling.
Benji’s new friend Murdy McGurdy was a delight although I have to admit that I think Mr Dog was my favourite character, there is one illustration included in the book that made me want to give him the biggest boop.
There is a good mix of adventure and emotion in this story and I think it’s one that you would get even more from reading for a second time.
This is the third book by Jenny that I have read and enjoyed and she really is a master at mixing humour with the more serious experiences children may have to face.
Thanks to Bee at Kaleidoscopic Tours and the publisher Usborne for the gifted purpose for this honest review. Follow the tour by using the hashtag #TheBoyWhoMadeMonsters
Benji is an entertaining narrator who despite all the upheaval in his life is willing to go all in to help his uncle’s ailing business and he takes us along for the ride with a lot of humour. I can’t help thinking that this is also a note to us all to look out for the people we think as coping well when something difficult happens. Under the surface all may not be well and their flippers may be paddling wildly.
The topic of grief is approached with sensitivity and we get to see a few different ways that individuals cope with it. The relationship between Benji and his brother Stanley was well developed, from standard sibling fights to fighting for your sibling.
Benji’s new friend Murdy McGurdy was a delight although I have to admit that I think Mr Dog was my favourite character, there is one illustration included in the book that made me want to give him the biggest boop.
There is a good mix of adventure and emotion in this story and I think it’s one that you would get even more from reading for a second time.
This is the third book by Jenny that I have read and enjoyed and she really is a master at mixing humour with the more serious experiences children may have to face.
Thanks to Bee at Kaleidoscopic Tours and the publisher Usborne for the gifted purpose for this honest review. Follow the tour by using the hashtag #TheBoyWhoMadeMonsters
July 15, 2023
This book was an emotional ride for me. I really enjoyed each and every thing about it. From its rich characters, vivid scenic beauty and discussion about psychological issues, I loved everything a lot.
The setting of the novel in Scotland is gorgeous. I have only heard about Loch Ness through the film. The detailed description of the freshwater lake and things nearby it is great. I now want to read more novels having a Scotland setting.
Next, the characters in the novel are superb. Each character is perfectly described and the issues associated with it. The character of Benji is very interesting. He is undesirably optimistic after the tragic loss of his parents. At first I didn’t notice, but in the later half, it seemed something was a bit off which the author portrayed in a fascinating way.
The characters of Hamish, Stanley and Murdina are also great. They are so kind and caring.
The novel also discusses post traumatic effects. Benji and Stanley lost their parents at their young age before the start of the novel that’s why both suffer from different psychological situations. I like how Jenny explains these PTSD’s especially for children. This side of the novel is great.
There are some beautiful and thoughtful quotes which I want to share here. Seriously, this book is perfect for adults too.
The setting of the novel in Scotland is gorgeous. I have only heard about Loch Ness through the film. The detailed description of the freshwater lake and things nearby it is great. I now want to read more novels having a Scotland setting.
Next, the characters in the novel are superb. Each character is perfectly described and the issues associated with it. The character of Benji is very interesting. He is undesirably optimistic after the tragic loss of his parents. At first I didn’t notice, but in the later half, it seemed something was a bit off which the author portrayed in a fascinating way.
The characters of Hamish, Stanley and Murdina are also great. They are so kind and caring.
The novel also discusses post traumatic effects. Benji and Stanley lost their parents at their young age before the start of the novel that’s why both suffer from different psychological situations. I like how Jenny explains these PTSD’s especially for children. This side of the novel is great.
There are some beautiful and thoughtful quotes which I want to share here. Seriously, this book is perfect for adults too.
July 10, 2023
A middle grade perfect for fans of A Monster Calls.
Benji and his brother have to move to Scotland to live with their uncle after the disappearance of their parents.
Benji is refusing to admit that they have died and instead lives in hope of them being found, bottling up his grief. Instead, he goes in search of the Loch Lochy Monster to try to help his uncles failing resort, but is the Monster real?
This was a clever take on mental health in children and how they might deal with grief, sadness etc. The characters were lovable and the non nuclear family unit was believable.
Benji and his brother have to move to Scotland to live with their uncle after the disappearance of their parents.
Benji is refusing to admit that they have died and instead lives in hope of them being found, bottling up his grief. Instead, he goes in search of the Loch Lochy Monster to try to help his uncles failing resort, but is the Monster real?
This was a clever take on mental health in children and how they might deal with grief, sadness etc. The characters were lovable and the non nuclear family unit was believable.
July 5, 2023
The Boy Who Made Monsters is a wonderful way to help a child who has lost a parent or friend. It teaches them to understand the process of grief and how to overcome the 'monsters' that they're battling with.
It's not all doom and gloom as the book turns out to be quite funny and Benji was such a lovable character, whilst his brother Stanley had more of an attitude as he struggled with the grief process.
The book is primarily aimed at those in the eight to thirteen age bracket but honestly I think everyone should read it. I enjoyed it and read it in an afternoon.
It's not all doom and gloom as the book turns out to be quite funny and Benji was such a lovable character, whilst his brother Stanley had more of an attitude as he struggled with the grief process.
The book is primarily aimed at those in the eight to thirteen age bracket but honestly I think everyone should read it. I enjoyed it and read it in an afternoon.
April 7, 2023
“The truth about monsters is they’re real.
They lie in wait, ready to drag you under, if you don’t face up to them.”
With all the warmth and wit we have come to expect from Jenny Pearson, this is a story about love, loss, family, friendship, and hope.
After their parents are killed in a boating accident, Benji and his older brother, Stanley, move to Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish, beside Loch Lochy. Hamish rents out holiday accommodation on the shores of the loch on land that has been in the family for generations, but business has not been going well since the opening of a swish new holiday complex nearby. Benji and Stanley have already lost so much; Benji is determined they won’t lose their new home too. Along with his friend, Murdy, and his inexorable visionary optimism, Benji makes it his mission to save his uncle’s business and their new home. All they have to do is find evidence of the Loch Lochy monster. How difficult could it be?
Heart-warming and heart-breaking all at once, I laughed and cried in equal measure. Every vividly drawn character captures your heart and I was totally invested in them from the start.
Their grief is so perfectly written to be real and raw, but never sentimental. We are gently shown how grief is experienced differently by each character.
I thought the idea of depicting Benji’s sadness as a monster within was such a great metaphor to convey to younger readers how unexpressed or unacknowledged feelings can affect people, and how important it is to accept and talk about our emotions. But the absolute greatest message in this book is the one of hope. Even in the darkest, most desperate situations, with the help of those who love and care for us, there is always hope.
This would make a great book to explore those ‘big’ feelings with children. This cast of characters and their beautiful message will stay with me for a long time.
They lie in wait, ready to drag you under, if you don’t face up to them.”
With all the warmth and wit we have come to expect from Jenny Pearson, this is a story about love, loss, family, friendship, and hope.
After their parents are killed in a boating accident, Benji and his older brother, Stanley, move to Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish, beside Loch Lochy. Hamish rents out holiday accommodation on the shores of the loch on land that has been in the family for generations, but business has not been going well since the opening of a swish new holiday complex nearby. Benji and Stanley have already lost so much; Benji is determined they won’t lose their new home too. Along with his friend, Murdy, and his inexorable visionary optimism, Benji makes it his mission to save his uncle’s business and their new home. All they have to do is find evidence of the Loch Lochy monster. How difficult could it be?
Heart-warming and heart-breaking all at once, I laughed and cried in equal measure. Every vividly drawn character captures your heart and I was totally invested in them from the start.
Their grief is so perfectly written to be real and raw, but never sentimental. We are gently shown how grief is experienced differently by each character.
I thought the idea of depicting Benji’s sadness as a monster within was such a great metaphor to convey to younger readers how unexpressed or unacknowledged feelings can affect people, and how important it is to accept and talk about our emotions. But the absolute greatest message in this book is the one of hope. Even in the darkest, most desperate situations, with the help of those who love and care for us, there is always hope.
This would make a great book to explore those ‘big’ feelings with children. This cast of characters and their beautiful message will stay with me for a long time.
July 16, 2023
Wow! I'm not sure how i feel after reading the last few chapter. Excited, scared, sad, tearful? All of them?
Benji McLaughlin is 10 and his brother, Stanley, is 13. One day something terrible happened when Stanley and his parents were out on their boat. Only Stanley was found. So the boys have gone to live with Uncle Hamish and his dog, Mr Dog, in Loch Lochy, Scotland. It's a long way from their home in London and they don't know Hamish - their parents and Hamish had a disagreement so the boys hadn't seen him. But he'd fought to be their guardian, and did everything social services had asked so here they were.
It doesn't take them long to find out that Uncle Hamish has money problems. Loch Lochy holidays doesn't have any visitors but where else is the money going?
Stanley isn't nice to Uncle Hamish at the start. He is still seeing a councillor but Benji doesn't think he needs to. When they get there Benji goes for a walk, what was that splash? Stanley won't go on the loch in a boat or swim. Benji thinks the boat is great, then he feels the presence of the Loch Lochy monster for the first time.
An idea to make money forms in Benji's brain. He and his new friend Murdy begin to make a Loch Lochy monster and photograph it. It doesn't go well.
Then, oddly Stanley wants to help. He's changed his mind about Uncle Hamish, but why? But Stanley's monster isn't much better than the first one!
Benji though feels the monster again this time with terrible results. He's angry when he finds Stanley's video shows no minster, only Mr Dog and Benji in the water. Just why can no one see Benji's monster?
Sadness and grief are powerful emotions that can take over your body. The boys have each otehr and Uncle Hamish plus Clara and Murdy for support. The ending in the tree is very emotional.
A bit weird to say I loved it, but this is an amazing book and I would love a copy in school.
Benji McLaughlin is 10 and his brother, Stanley, is 13. One day something terrible happened when Stanley and his parents were out on their boat. Only Stanley was found. So the boys have gone to live with Uncle Hamish and his dog, Mr Dog, in Loch Lochy, Scotland. It's a long way from their home in London and they don't know Hamish - their parents and Hamish had a disagreement so the boys hadn't seen him. But he'd fought to be their guardian, and did everything social services had asked so here they were.
It doesn't take them long to find out that Uncle Hamish has money problems. Loch Lochy holidays doesn't have any visitors but where else is the money going?
Stanley isn't nice to Uncle Hamish at the start. He is still seeing a councillor but Benji doesn't think he needs to. When they get there Benji goes for a walk, what was that splash? Stanley won't go on the loch in a boat or swim. Benji thinks the boat is great, then he feels the presence of the Loch Lochy monster for the first time.
An idea to make money forms in Benji's brain. He and his new friend Murdy begin to make a Loch Lochy monster and photograph it. It doesn't go well.
Then, oddly Stanley wants to help. He's changed his mind about Uncle Hamish, but why? But Stanley's monster isn't much better than the first one!
Benji though feels the monster again this time with terrible results. He's angry when he finds Stanley's video shows no minster, only Mr Dog and Benji in the water. Just why can no one see Benji's monster?
Sadness and grief are powerful emotions that can take over your body. The boys have each otehr and Uncle Hamish plus Clara and Murdy for support. The ending in the tree is very emotional.
A bit weird to say I loved it, but this is an amazing book and I would love a copy in school.
May 23, 2023
Told with Jenny Pearson’s care and attention to detail, this new story set in Scotland weaves humour through complex themes of grief, friendship and moving on from things lost to the past.
When Benji and Stanley’s parents go missing at sea, they have to go and live with their Uncle Hamish, whom they have never met. Uncle Hamish lives with his dog, Mr Dog, on the shores of Loch Lochy and Benji soon realises that all is not ok for Uncle Hamish. When he meets local girl Murdy, Benji sets out to prove that the Loch Lochy Monster is real, so that tourists will come back to Loch Lochy once more.
There are lots of laughs in this story, mainly around Benji and Murdy’s attempts to capture an image of the Loch Lochy Monster. Their friendship is a strong focus, particularly Murdy’s support for Benji after what he has been through, along with their relationship with Mr Dog, who also provides the emotional support that pets are sometimes able to do in their own special way.
Sitting alongside the humour there are darker undertones that provide depth and complexity to the narrative. On the surface, Benji is a fun-loving boy who wants to help Uncle Hamish’s business to survive. But underneath, has he really come to terms with the loss of his parents? His brother, Stanley, is facing his own battles – he was on the boat when it capsized and his parents went missing. Uncle Hamish is facing the loss of his business, which has been in the family for years. Murdy is the target of local bullies. Yet this is a story with a lot of heart and, ultimately, with messages of hope.
Many thanks to the publisher for an early review copy. See the full book details on our website: https://www.booksfortopics.com/book/t...
When Benji and Stanley’s parents go missing at sea, they have to go and live with their Uncle Hamish, whom they have never met. Uncle Hamish lives with his dog, Mr Dog, on the shores of Loch Lochy and Benji soon realises that all is not ok for Uncle Hamish. When he meets local girl Murdy, Benji sets out to prove that the Loch Lochy Monster is real, so that tourists will come back to Loch Lochy once more.
There are lots of laughs in this story, mainly around Benji and Murdy’s attempts to capture an image of the Loch Lochy Monster. Their friendship is a strong focus, particularly Murdy’s support for Benji after what he has been through, along with their relationship with Mr Dog, who also provides the emotional support that pets are sometimes able to do in their own special way.
Sitting alongside the humour there are darker undertones that provide depth and complexity to the narrative. On the surface, Benji is a fun-loving boy who wants to help Uncle Hamish’s business to survive. But underneath, has he really come to terms with the loss of his parents? His brother, Stanley, is facing his own battles – he was on the boat when it capsized and his parents went missing. Uncle Hamish is facing the loss of his business, which has been in the family for years. Murdy is the target of local bullies. Yet this is a story with a lot of heart and, ultimately, with messages of hope.
Many thanks to the publisher for an early review copy. See the full book details on our website: https://www.booksfortopics.com/book/t...
June 27, 2023
When Benji’s parents go missing at sea, he moves, with his older brother Stanley, to the Highlands of Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish. Hamish runs a holiday resort on the shore of Loch Lochy but his business is not going well. Benji decides it is not enough just to pray to God, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, the goddess Guanyin, and Spiderman – he needs to come up with a plan to save Loch Lochy Holiday Lets. And what could be a bigger tourist attraction than a Loch Lochy Monster?
Benji is convinced the Loch Lochy monster is real, but unfortunately it is rather camera shy. Together with his new friend, Murdy Mei-Yin McGurdy, and Hamish’s dog, Mr Dog, he decides to create a monster so they will have photographic evidence to pull in the crowds. Unfortunately, their monster-making plans do not go smoothly.
Benji is a delightfully endearing character, full of hope, positivity, and inspired ideas. But although Benji is sunny on the surface, there are monsters lurking in the deep waters below and eventually he will have to face them.
We had a Scottish summer holiday a few years ago on the shores of Loch Oich (which is the next one up from Loch Lochy) and I spent quite a bit of time scanning the water for suspicious shapes, I’ve always found stories of the Loch Ness Monster endlessly fascinating and compelling, so I was excited to read this one.
Jenny Pearson is an author who will reliably make you laugh and cry and ‘The Boy Who Made Monsters’ is like a funnier, MG version of ‘A Monster Calls’. This is a book about bereavement and coping with grief, but it is also a hilarious, madcap monster-romp, and a warm-hearted story about family and friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bravo Jenny, Queen of Funny Fiction!
Thanks to Usborne for the ARC.
Benji is convinced the Loch Lochy monster is real, but unfortunately it is rather camera shy. Together with his new friend, Murdy Mei-Yin McGurdy, and Hamish’s dog, Mr Dog, he decides to create a monster so they will have photographic evidence to pull in the crowds. Unfortunately, their monster-making plans do not go smoothly.
Benji is a delightfully endearing character, full of hope, positivity, and inspired ideas. But although Benji is sunny on the surface, there are monsters lurking in the deep waters below and eventually he will have to face them.
We had a Scottish summer holiday a few years ago on the shores of Loch Oich (which is the next one up from Loch Lochy) and I spent quite a bit of time scanning the water for suspicious shapes, I’ve always found stories of the Loch Ness Monster endlessly fascinating and compelling, so I was excited to read this one.
Jenny Pearson is an author who will reliably make you laugh and cry and ‘The Boy Who Made Monsters’ is like a funnier, MG version of ‘A Monster Calls’. This is a book about bereavement and coping with grief, but it is also a hilarious, madcap monster-romp, and a warm-hearted story about family and friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bravo Jenny, Queen of Funny Fiction!
Thanks to Usborne for the ARC.
June 19, 2023
Loveable narrator, and a surprisingly funny story about grief and Scottish Loch monsters.
I instantly recalled the young narrator in Millions when reading about Benji. Not quite as religious maybe, but he does pray to every god going as well as Spiderman (admitting he's hedging his bets!).
Benji manages to remain upbeat and hopeful, despite his rather sad situation - his older brother Sidney survived a boating incident that swept their parents away several months ago. Benji expects them to show up, Sidney is now angry and withdrawn. They've had to move to live with their uncle, up to his Scottish loch-side holiday rental land.
Benji's optimism knows no bounds really, even as Uncle Hamish's business takes a Goonies-like dip and is threatened by the local land developer. Surely all he needs to do is prove that the Loch's monster is real and the tourists (with their money) will come flocking in? How hard can it be to find a monster in a lake?!
With some of the best character names out there (Mr Dog, Murdy McGurdy), Benji's spirited escapades and family tragedy will give readers both a lot of laughs and more than a few moments of reflection and sadness. The different stages of grief are reflected in Benji and Sidney, as well as their uncle, and this plot threads through the Monster adventure, we cannot forget just what they are both already battling.
Loved Benji's voice and personality, he finds a great sidekick/partner in Murdy (who gives him a new god to pray to), and it's one of those quick-to-race-through stories you feel completed by come the end.
For ages 8-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
I instantly recalled the young narrator in Millions when reading about Benji. Not quite as religious maybe, but he does pray to every god going as well as Spiderman (admitting he's hedging his bets!).
Benji manages to remain upbeat and hopeful, despite his rather sad situation - his older brother Sidney survived a boating incident that swept their parents away several months ago. Benji expects them to show up, Sidney is now angry and withdrawn. They've had to move to live with their uncle, up to his Scottish loch-side holiday rental land.
Benji's optimism knows no bounds really, even as Uncle Hamish's business takes a Goonies-like dip and is threatened by the local land developer. Surely all he needs to do is prove that the Loch's monster is real and the tourists (with their money) will come flocking in? How hard can it be to find a monster in a lake?!
With some of the best character names out there (Mr Dog, Murdy McGurdy), Benji's spirited escapades and family tragedy will give readers both a lot of laughs and more than a few moments of reflection and sadness. The different stages of grief are reflected in Benji and Sidney, as well as their uncle, and this plot threads through the Monster adventure, we cannot forget just what they are both already battling.
Loved Benji's voice and personality, he finds a great sidekick/partner in Murdy (who gives him a new god to pray to), and it's one of those quick-to-race-through stories you feel completed by come the end.
For ages 8-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
August 16, 2023
A stunning read, this concentrates on Benji, a kid who, alongside his older brother, is forced to decamp to the side of a Scottish loch and live with an uncle they hardly knew after a boating accident. Everyone thinks both their parents have been killed off by the disaster, but Benji is adamant he can sense them waiting to return. But parents or no it's clearly not going to be that easy to have a proper childhood idyll, even at the loch, when he finds it occupied by a Nessie-like monster…
Things about this shouldn't work, but rest assured it so completely does. There is more cryptic foreshadowing here than in anything else I can remember – that shouldn't work. The way the elevator pitch is "A Monster Calls with added kid's-own-let's-make-it-happen-before-the-deadline enthusiastic creativity" really should not work. But that is what the book is – the gung-ho, domestic little beating-the-odds the kids end up engaged in seeming so provincial in blunt words but so engaging on the page.
I assume something else works – the arch look at a burgeoning friendship for Benji, which might require a knowing kind of reader to really succeed. Heck, even the slapstick and the overly-humanised dog work. Give me a film studio and I'd make this in a heartbeat, for it is a story that has it all – including an easy ride for a film director, given how immediate this is in creating the right storyboard in your brain. All told, a very emotional, heart-warming and gripping thing of wonder.
Things about this shouldn't work, but rest assured it so completely does. There is more cryptic foreshadowing here than in anything else I can remember – that shouldn't work. The way the elevator pitch is "A Monster Calls with added kid's-own-let's-make-it-happen-before-the-deadline enthusiastic creativity" really should not work. But that is what the book is – the gung-ho, domestic little beating-the-odds the kids end up engaged in seeming so provincial in blunt words but so engaging on the page.
I assume something else works – the arch look at a burgeoning friendship for Benji, which might require a knowing kind of reader to really succeed. Heck, even the slapstick and the overly-humanised dog work. Give me a film studio and I'd make this in a heartbeat, for it is a story that has it all – including an easy ride for a film director, given how immediate this is in creating the right storyboard in your brain. All told, a very emotional, heart-warming and gripping thing of wonder.
May 20, 2023
When Benji and Stanley's parents go missing at sea, they have to go and live with their Uncle Hamish, who they have never met. Uncle Hamish lives with his dog, Mr Dog, on the shores of Loch Lochy and Benji soon realises that all is not ok for Uncle Hamish. When he meets local girl Murdy, Benji sets out to prove that the Loch Lochy Monster is real, so that tourists will come back to Loch Lochy once more.
There are lots of laughs in this story, mainly Benji and Murdy's attempts to capture an image of the Loch Lochy Monster. Their friendship is a strong focus, particularly Murdy's support for Benji after what he has been through, along with their relationship with Mr Dog, who also provides emotional support for them both.
Although their is lots of humour, there are darker undertones. On the surface, Benji is a fun-loving boy who wants to help Uncle Hamish's business to survive. But underneath, has he really come to terms with the loss of his parents? His brother, Stanley, is facing his own battles - he was on the boat when it capsized and his parents went missing. Uncle Hamish is facing the loss of his business, which has been in the family for years. Murdy is the target of local bullies.
Yet this is a story with a lot of heart and, ultimately, with messages of hope.
Told with Jenny Pearson's care and attention to detail, this is a book that would need to be handled sensitively in class, due to the underlying themes which may affect some children.
There are lots of laughs in this story, mainly Benji and Murdy's attempts to capture an image of the Loch Lochy Monster. Their friendship is a strong focus, particularly Murdy's support for Benji after what he has been through, along with their relationship with Mr Dog, who also provides emotional support for them both.
Although their is lots of humour, there are darker undertones. On the surface, Benji is a fun-loving boy who wants to help Uncle Hamish's business to survive. But underneath, has he really come to terms with the loss of his parents? His brother, Stanley, is facing his own battles - he was on the boat when it capsized and his parents went missing. Uncle Hamish is facing the loss of his business, which has been in the family for years. Murdy is the target of local bullies.
Yet this is a story with a lot of heart and, ultimately, with messages of hope.
Told with Jenny Pearson's care and attention to detail, this is a book that would need to be handled sensitively in class, due to the underlying themes which may affect some children.
July 2, 2023
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a beautiful and imaginative look at children dealing with grief. The story is set after a boat accident where Benji and Stanley’s parents have not been found. The two boys move to their Uncle Hamish’s house in Scotland next to Lochhy Loch.
Whilst at Locchy loch, Benji sees a monster just like in Loch Ness! He makes a plan to show the world and bring people to Locchy Loch so that his uncle won’t be in debt any longer and can keep their estate. But capturing a video of the Locchy loch monster is not as easy as it seems.
This book full of creativity and imagination, from building and creating their own Locchy loch monster, to the powerful imagination of the mind. It’s about friendship and family and love. But most of all it’s about dealing with grief and how Benji deals with the unknown fate of his parents, and how he eventually finds hope but not in the way he was expecting.
I loved this book as an adult, it’s fun with lots of humour and adventures! The characters are great and I am a big fan of Mr. Dog. I loved the relationships between the brothers and Benji and Murdy, and loved how the book took such a different look at a tough topic. I shed a few tears, but I was also snorting with laughter at points.
Also can I add books set in Scotland seem to be superior to other books!
This book was a beautiful and imaginative look at children dealing with grief. The story is set after a boat accident where Benji and Stanley’s parents have not been found. The two boys move to their Uncle Hamish’s house in Scotland next to Lochhy Loch.
Whilst at Locchy loch, Benji sees a monster just like in Loch Ness! He makes a plan to show the world and bring people to Locchy Loch so that his uncle won’t be in debt any longer and can keep their estate. But capturing a video of the Locchy loch monster is not as easy as it seems.
This book full of creativity and imagination, from building and creating their own Locchy loch monster, to the powerful imagination of the mind. It’s about friendship and family and love. But most of all it’s about dealing with grief and how Benji deals with the unknown fate of his parents, and how he eventually finds hope but not in the way he was expecting.
I loved this book as an adult, it’s fun with lots of humour and adventures! The characters are great and I am a big fan of Mr. Dog. I loved the relationships between the brothers and Benji and Murdy, and loved how the book took such a different look at a tough topic. I shed a few tears, but I was also snorting with laughter at points.
Also can I add books set in Scotland seem to be superior to other books!
April 13, 2023
The Boy Who Made Monsters is a funny, action-packed but tender tale about two brothers facing monsters - both real and fantastic - after the disappearance of their parents. Benji and Stanley move up to Scotland to stay with their uncle Hamish and his delipidating series of lodges by the side of a loch. Benji decides to try to save the site, where his father grew up, alongside discovering and facing the monster lurking nearby. He is ably (often hindered!) by Murdy, his forthright, imaginative neighbour, and Mr Dog. This is a wonderful tale of visionary ideas and facing up to terrible truths and, just like Jenny's other books, makes you laugh and cry in equal measures.
I did love Benji and his infectious optimism but the other characters were equally enjoyable to read about and all brilliantly formed, from the wonderfully honest Murdy McGurdy and Benji's brother, Stanley, to the BFG himself, Uncle Hamish.
This is such a perfect story to teach children about grief in the comfortable and cosy surroundings of a hilarious, exciting and well-paced tale of adventure and a monster of the loch. I adored it and can't wait to share this at school. Another perfect KS2 book from Jenny Pearson. Thank you Usborne and NetGalley in allowing me to read this in advance and in exchange for an honest review.
I did love Benji and his infectious optimism but the other characters were equally enjoyable to read about and all brilliantly formed, from the wonderfully honest Murdy McGurdy and Benji's brother, Stanley, to the BFG himself, Uncle Hamish.
This is such a perfect story to teach children about grief in the comfortable and cosy surroundings of a hilarious, exciting and well-paced tale of adventure and a monster of the loch. I adored it and can't wait to share this at school. Another perfect KS2 book from Jenny Pearson. Thank you Usborne and NetGalley in allowing me to read this in advance and in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2023
The Boy Who Made Monsters
By Jenny Pearson
Published by Usborne Publishing
Another award-winning tale of family struggles told through love, loss, laughter & hope from author Jenny Pearson. Benji McLaughlin sees and believes in things other people think are impossible. So proving his ideas, point of view or what he believes he sees is tricky and frustrating.
So when he & his brother Stanley find themselves living with their uncle in Scotland after tragically losing their parents things look bleak. But believing in the Loch Lochy monster is all Benji can focus on in order to turn his life around.
His parent’s are lost at sea, his Uncle Hamish's holiday business is struggling and his brother won’t believe in him. But Benji's not worried, he has a visionary plan and together with his new friends, Murdy and Mr Dog, he sets off to prove that the Loch Lochy monster exists in order to make some changes in his life. Praise for Jenny Pearson who deals with the tricky subjects of grief, mental health and honesty in such a tender manner. A fabulous story that will touch your heart, your mind and your soul.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#Usborne
#JennyPearson
By Jenny Pearson
Published by Usborne Publishing
Another award-winning tale of family struggles told through love, loss, laughter & hope from author Jenny Pearson. Benji McLaughlin sees and believes in things other people think are impossible. So proving his ideas, point of view or what he believes he sees is tricky and frustrating.
So when he & his brother Stanley find themselves living with their uncle in Scotland after tragically losing their parents things look bleak. But believing in the Loch Lochy monster is all Benji can focus on in order to turn his life around.
His parent’s are lost at sea, his Uncle Hamish's holiday business is struggling and his brother won’t believe in him. But Benji's not worried, he has a visionary plan and together with his new friends, Murdy and Mr Dog, he sets off to prove that the Loch Lochy monster exists in order to make some changes in his life. Praise for Jenny Pearson who deals with the tricky subjects of grief, mental health and honesty in such a tender manner. A fabulous story that will touch your heart, your mind and your soul.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#Usborne
#JennyPearson
July 20, 2023
Thank you Kaleidoscopictours and Usborne for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
It has a good illustrated cover to attract young readers.
It has a good way of keeping readers engaged by the bold bits on the text making those words stand out.
After thier parent go missing Benji and his brother Stanley are sent to live with their Uncle Hamish who runs a holiday resort in Scotland however this is not going to well that's when Benji deciess he wants to help his uncle's business.
I like how Benji Uses the legdgend of Loch Locy to help Uncle Hamish bussines.
The friendships in this book are well written and easy to follow I really like Mr. Dog that silly name made me laugh.
We have some full page illustrations which are nicely done and convey the text in pictures.
Benji is a delightful boy character whom is a ray of sunshine
It has a good illustrated cover to attract young readers.
It has a good way of keeping readers engaged by the bold bits on the text making those words stand out.
After thier parent go missing Benji and his brother Stanley are sent to live with their Uncle Hamish who runs a holiday resort in Scotland however this is not going to well that's when Benji deciess he wants to help his uncle's business.
I like how Benji Uses the legdgend of Loch Locy to help Uncle Hamish bussines.
The friendships in this book are well written and easy to follow I really like Mr. Dog that silly name made me laugh.
We have some full page illustrations which are nicely done and convey the text in pictures.
Benji is a delightful boy character whom is a ray of sunshine
August 10, 2023
A really beautiful book to help children with a loss of a parent.
Benji and his older brother Stanley’s parents are killed in a boating accident which results in them moving to Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish. Uncle Hamish lives next to Lock Lochy and for generations, his family have rented out holiday lets but unfortunately business has dried up due to a new holiday complex popping up very nearby. Benji is determined to help save his uncle’s business with his friend Murdy.
Benji is a brilliant loveable character and Stanley, although definitely a boy with an attitude, is also endearing. Both boys show the reader that there are many different ways of coping with grief and the monsters they are battling can be overcome.
Pearson takes a lot of care to weave the very complex themes of friendships, moving forward and grief.
Lovely book for KS2 children and adults alike.
Benji and his older brother Stanley’s parents are killed in a boating accident which results in them moving to Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish. Uncle Hamish lives next to Lock Lochy and for generations, his family have rented out holiday lets but unfortunately business has dried up due to a new holiday complex popping up very nearby. Benji is determined to help save his uncle’s business with his friend Murdy.
Benji is a brilliant loveable character and Stanley, although definitely a boy with an attitude, is also endearing. Both boys show the reader that there are many different ways of coping with grief and the monsters they are battling can be overcome.
Pearson takes a lot of care to weave the very complex themes of friendships, moving forward and grief.
Lovely book for KS2 children and adults alike.
April 23, 2023
Another great story by Jenny Pearson. They always make me laugh out loud and this one was no different. Benji and Stanley have lost their parents in an accident at sea and are sent to live in Scotland with their Uncle Hamish. Benji settles in well it seems and has graduated grief counselling as he puts it. He soon makes a friend in local girl Murdy and they set about trying to prove the Loch Lochy monster exists. Uncle Hamish is about the lose his home and land if they cannot get visitors to come and stay in his holiday lets and Benji thinks this will get scores of visitors. Along the way there is a blossoming friendship with Murdy, a great dog sidekick and Stanley starts to settle in. The ending is wonderful with lots of meaning about feelings and dealing with grief. Wonderful.
July 17, 2023
3.75 stars. Truly sweet and touching story about grieving and overcoming grief, that I'm happy to recommend. But my overall reading experience was not as enjoyable as I hoped. It was actually a very sad read. You could predict the disaster looming from page one, and waiting for it was weirdly uncomfortable, I couldn't even enjoy the humour in the book, it felt out of place.
But having said all that (it's just my personal reading experience), it is well written & teaches kids about grief, denial, and acceptance.
But having said all that (it's just my personal reading experience), it is well written & teaches kids about grief, denial, and acceptance.
July 17, 2023
This is what an excellent children's book looks like. Especially with brilliant illustrations by Katie Kear. And of course writing by Jenny Pearson which makes you laugh out loud and also brings a lump to your throat. Relatable themes, sensitively, meaningfully and thoughtfully addressed. We especially love visionary Benji McLaughlin with his almost unwavering levels of hope and optimism even when having to battle with the monster of grief.
September 3, 2024
Writing the end of stories must be so hard, especially ones that have a kind of take on a "it was all a dream" narrative like this does. It always ends up falling kind of flat? There were things that needed wrapping up in the final few chapters, but they felt more like an admin task than a continuation of the story.
With that said, this book was great, funny and endearing. I think this can be both an enjoyable read for anyone, but also a useful tool for kids going through grief.
With that said, this book was great, funny and endearing. I think this can be both an enjoyable read for anyone, but also a useful tool for kids going through grief.
July 2, 2023
The children adored this book. Benji could teach us all a few things about positivity in lifes ups and downs. Suitable for all of the family and great to read together as a family. Already the children are asking to read it again.
July 30, 2023
This was genuinely absolute perfection. Upsetting and comforting at the same time as we follow Benji who proves to be a loveable narrator. The star though is Stanley. He is the beating heart of this book. Incredible.
March 22, 2023
Gentle, heartbreaking but also heart-warming too. With a main character who has such a great voice. Loved it.
May 27, 2024
Perfect middle-grade fiction. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry.
November 8, 2024
Very touching and nice
July 19, 2023
I think this is my favourite Jenny Pearson book. I have laughed and cried with equal measure throughout. Such a difficult topic done with grace and humour. Absolute perfection!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
Benji believes in things that others think are impossible. He is a visionary. It is fortunate for he needs all his faith, strength and visions to help his uncle’s failing business.
Setting off with his friends he is on a mission to prove that the Loch Lochy Monster exists and bring tourists in by the hoard. The trouble is he is about to encounter monsters very different to the one he expects. A touching book full of adventure and heart.
Setting off with his friends he is on a mission to prove that the Loch Lochy Monster exists and bring tourists in by the hoard. The trouble is he is about to encounter monsters very different to the one he expects. A touching book full of adventure and heart.
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