15 Favorite Monster Themed Picture Books {With Printable List}

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My boys LOVE all things related to monsters, but don’t like scary monsters.  Its often hard to find books that are monster enough for them but still age appropriate.  Today’s list are 15 of our favorite monster books.

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Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin – Follow a bunch of wiggling and scribbling monsters as they learn to mix colors. This is a great book for toddlers or preschoolers who are just learning to identify colors or learning about color theory.

Monster Sleepover by Scott Beck – The silly antics of the monster guests at Doris’ sleepover as they prepare for bed. My boys loved acting out the story, especially robot’s attempt to make breakfast. I really appreciate the subtle adult humor that my boys didn’t quite understand yet.

Monster Mess by Margery Cuyler – What would it be like to live with a monster? Would they make a mess or help you clean up? Find out in this beautifully illustrated story.

There Was An Old Monster by Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberley – There was an old monster who swallowed a tick… find out what else the monster had to swallow and who ate the monster in the end.

If You’re a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca and Ed Emberley – A monster themed version of “If you’re happy and you know it.” We never just read this book. Instead we snort, growl, and stomp around the room. A favorite of my preschooler!

Who is Your Favorite Monster Mama? By Barbara Shook Hazen – A big brother feels replaced and ignored as Mama seems to give the new babies more attention. A great book for helping little ones talk about jealousy.

There’s a Monster Under My Bed by James Howe – A young boy’s imagine runs wild thinking about the monster living under his bed. Armed with a trusty flashlight, he finds the monster is nothing to be afraid of.

Kipper’s Monster by Mick Inkpen – Tiger has a brand new flashlight. He takes Kipper on a camping trip where they discover the shadow of an unexpected monster.

My Monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck – All the ways a mama loves her little monster.

The Monster Princess by D.J. MacHale – Lala just wants to be a princess like any other young monster girl. She is not welcomed at the castle, but shows great kindness anyway.

The Monsters’ Monster by Patrick McDonnell – A young monster surprises everyone with his polite nature. This is a sweet story about rising above stereotypes and welcoming people who are different fro you.

Monster Stew by Mitra Modarressi – This book is three short monster stories bundled together. A unique monster filled take on the classics Princess and the Pea, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Hansel and Gretel.

Monster Musical Chairs by Stuart J. Murphy – This is our favorite monster themed counting book. Dance along with the music and count down until only one monster is left.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – A favorite classic monster story! Max’s mischief grew beyond the confines of his room and he became king of all wild things.

Good Night, Monster by Ian Whybrow and Ken Wilson-Max – A lift the flap countdown book to help little ones get ready for bed.

I find the hardest part of taking my young boys with me to the library is looking up books in the catalog.  I prepared this list for you (and me) to make finding books faster and easier.  I download the mobile version on my ipod/iphone to take with me.  You can also print off the list if that is easier for you!