About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a big transition, like moving to a new neighborhood or starting a new school, and is worried about fitting in. It is a perfect tool for addressing the fear of the unknown and the tendency to make snap judgments about people before meeting them. The story follows a community of hilariously gross and bizarre monsters who are terrified to discover who is moving in next door. As they speculate about the horrors of their new neighbors, the ending provides a brilliant twist that flips their perspective entirely. It is a lighthearted, humorous way to discuss anxiety and prejudice with children aged 4 to 8. Parents will appreciate how it uses satire to normalize the feeling of being the outsider while teaching that what we find scary is often just something we haven't experienced yet.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book handles the concept of 'the other' metaphorically. There are no heavy real-world traumas, but it addresses social exclusion and prejudice through a secular, humorous lens. The resolution is ironic and hopeful, showing that fear is subjective.
