it's that book
  • Home
    • Boys and Girls Club Book Fair
  • Shop!
  • Host a Party
  • Join My Team
  • Blog

discover that book

a blog about usborne books & more

billy and the mini monsters (series)

6/3/2018

3 Comments

 
Picture
"Mom, can we read this one?" These days, whenever I hear that question, there's a pretty good chance one of my boys is holding up one of the books from the Billy and the Mini Monsters series, Usborne books written by Zanna Davidson and illustrated by Melanie Williamson. My boys were captivated as soon as I pulled the books out of the box they arrived in, and their love has only grown since then.

Billy is a boy (I would guess around 10 years old) who finds five tiny monsters living in his sock drawer. He winds up saving their life in the first book when they get trapped in the washing machine, and they swear their allegiance to him for life. Captain Snott, Fang Face, Trumpet, Gloop, and Peep may be monsters, but they're actually pretty cute, more so than scary - and Billy takes to them instantly.

Picture
Each book in the series focuses on a different adventure Billy has with these mini monsters. Wherever they end up, trouble seems to follow - at school, during swim lessons, moving house, at a party, even at the airport. The monsters and Billy work together to ultimately sort out their problem, and life continues.

​Although the monsters tend to complicate Billy's life, they also help him grow and learn important lessons. At school, Billy learns to not be intimidated by a bully. At a birthday party, Billy realizes his sister isn't actually that bad, and they can have fun together. At his swim lessons, the monsters help Billy overcome his fear of heights and diving off the diving board. The situations may seems silly on the surface, but the bigger lessons are meaningful and relevant to kids.

One reason my boys - who are 3 and 5, not yet reading - can't put these books down is that the illustrations are so fun and enticing! The stories are told through a combination of narrative with illustrations and comic strip/graphic novel panels. The illustrations are goofy, colorful, and full of narrative themselves... so kids of all ages can appreciate them! Your kids will love the funny characters and the tense moments, and you'll love listening to endless giggles as you read with them over and over.

It's that book series you will wind up reading again and again, and loving each time.

Book benefits:
  • Engaging stories, characters, and illustrations will keep your kids coming back for more
  • Although it helps to start with Monsters in the Dark, subsequent books include a quick recap of how Billy and the monsters met, so you can read books in any order (though I've listed them below in my suggested order)
  • Abundance of illustrations will help kids connect with the stories before they can even read
  • Stories include important lessons, though they aren't preachy
  • It's really fun to come up with voices for each of the mini monsters :) 
  • Each book contains 6 chapters - great to split into multiple readings for young readers but not overwhelming to read in one go

Buy Billy and the Mini Monsters books individually or as a set and save 20%!
  • Monsters in the Dark (paperback, $4.99)
  • Monsters on the Loose (paperback, $4.99)
  • Monsters to the Rescue (paperback, $4.99)
  • Monsters on a Plane (paperback, $4.99)
  • Monsters go Party! (paperback, $4.99)
  • Monsters on the Move (paperback, $4.99)
  • Billy and the Mini Monsters Complete Set (paperback, $24.99)

A preview from Monsters in the Dark (click to enlarge) -
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
3 Comments
carwen jian link
2/3/2021 07:22:11 am

YOUNG READING SERIES 2/BILLY AND THE MINI MONSTERS MONSTERS GO PARTY
byZanna Davidson

Reply
Jake K link
6/6/2022 03:47:26 pm

Thanks great blog poost

Reply
Martin Anderson link
11/15/2022 05:56:38 am

Who plant interest week. Mr these save defense.
Series billion use dog. Account prove scene across house.
Rule interesting bank else bed fill. Commercial actually because.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    author

    Hi there! I'm Christine - Usborne Books & More independent consultant, kids' book fan, English teacher, mom of two boys. 


    archives

    November 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    categories

    All
    Active Engagement
    Alphabet Books
    Animals
    Baby Books
    Bedtime Books
    Board Books
    Chapter Fiction
    Combined Volume
    Counting Books
    Dual Readers
    Early Elementary
    Early Readers
    Farmyard Tales
    Flap Books
    Good For All Ages
    Internet Linked
    Late Elementary
    Machine Books
    Middle/high School
    Middle School
    Nature
    Nonfiction Books
    Phonics Books
    Picture Books
    Reference Books
    Story Books
    Toddler Books

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
    • Boys and Girls Club Book Fair
  • Shop!
  • Host a Party
  • Join My Team
  • Blog