We're Going to Find the Monster

Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

Publisher: Puffin

Charlie and Eddie are playing in the garden one morning when Dad gives them a ten-minute warning for breakfast. They know that they have to find the grumpy, prickly monster, but where will they find him?

The brave brother and sister set off on a journey of adventure over shimmering oceans, high mountains and past fierce tigers to discover the terrifying monster in his lair: or, as it turns out, their teenage brother Marcus in his bedroom.

A lovely slightly fairy tale-inspired tale about a family with two younger siblings and a teenager getting ready for breakfast, We’re Going to Catch a Monster features the wonderful storytelling and word wizardry of former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman and the brilliant eye for family dynamics from prize-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.

Fans of Adeola may remember the lovely relationship between the teen brother and the younger heroine Rocket in Look Up, which is recalled here in Marcus’ grumpiness that turns to a family tickling frenzy by the end. This is a really lovely fun read, which also has a nice, reassuring family feel.

It’s also worth noting that Adeola has illustrated the character of Charlie as having the skin condition vitiligo, which is rarely (if ever) depicted in children’s books, and there’s a note at the beginning of the book signposting readers to The Vitiligo Society for more information.

Download free We're Going to Find the Monster resources from Twinkl