Books Like Once I Had a Monster
Families who loved Once I Had a Monster by Ann Hellie often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Once I Had a Monster by Ann Hellie often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins expressing anxiety about the dark or reporting that something scary is hiding in their room at night. It is a perfect choice for those transition moments when a child's blossoming imagination starts to create nighttime worries that feel very real to them. The story follows a young child who discovers that the monster under the bed is not a threat, but a companion who shares the same fears and needs. By personifying the scary thing, the book helps children externalize their anxiety and transform it into a manageable, even friendly, presence. It is particularly effective for ages 3 to 7 as it validates their internal world while providing a comforting resolution. This is a gentle tool for turning a time of stress into a moment of shared connection and imaginative play.
