The Monster at the End of This Book

Children’s Book Week kicks off today, so I thought it was only fitting to read one of my favorite children’s books before tucking the kiddos into bed tonight.

“The Monster at the End of This Book” is a Little Golden Book by Jon Stone, and stars “lovable, furry old Grover.”

Grover is aware that there will be a monster at the end of the book and pleads with the reader to not turn pages. He tries tying the pages together, he tries nailing them together, and he even builds a brick wall, but each time, the young reader is able to turn the page — and Grover isn’t too happy about it.

After all, he’s scared of the monster.

Of course, when we reach the end of the book, we discover that the “monster” is just lovable, furry old Grover. And the furry blue guy suddenly pretends like HE was telling the READER not to be scared. On the very last page, he makes a confession that we can all identify with.

“Oh, I am so embarrassed…”

I love the way the book breaks the “fourth wall” between the story and the reader. The book becomes an object to be overcome, and the story becomes a conversation between Grover and the reader. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun to read it aloud with a great amount of expression!

3 Comments on “The Monster at the End of This Book

  1. Loved reading this to two little boys many years ago!

  2. I love, love, love this book in a cute, furry monster sort of way!

  3. I LOVE this book! A true classic!

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