Books About Non-scary Monsters

The Best Non-scary Monsters Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Monster Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about non-scary monsters? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Non-scary Monsters

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–6 · 2012

The Monsters' Monster

By Patrick McDonnell

Three little monsters meet a bigger one and learn the power of gratitude.

40 pages· 643 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.7/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,444 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Three mischievous monsters believe they're the fiercest until a larger monster arrives, challenging their bravado. In this whimsical tale, the big monster teaches them an unexpected lesson in gratitude with just two words. Will these little rascals discover the joy in appreciating life's small wonders? Dive into a playful story where the biggest surprise is the simplest act of saying 'Thank you.'

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

The Monster Who Lost His Mean

By Tiffany Strelitz Haber, Kirstie Edmunds (Illustrator)

A monster struggles with being nice in a world that expects him to be mean.

40 pages· 454 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 760 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where monsters are expected to be mean, one young monster finds himself at odds with his nature. Teased by his peers, he discovers joy in playing with children and helping them, rather than scaring them. As he navigates this unexpected path, he learns that true identity isn't defined by labels but by actions. Will he embrace his kind heart or succumb to the pressure to conform? Join him on a journey of self-discovery and friendship, where being different might just be the best thing ever.

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2011

Bedtime for Monsters

By Ed Vere

A monster approaches, rumbling for a bedtime snack. Are you on the menu?

32 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 663 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: A monster is on the prowl, his tummy rumbling as he searches for a bedtime snack. As he gets closer, fear mounts—could you be his next meal? But wait, this monster's intentions might just surprise you. Instead of a feast, he seeks a monster-sized goodnight kiss. Will you dare to find out what happens when he reaches you? Discover the unexpected twist in this playful bedtime tale.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1999

The Gruffalo

By Julia Donaldson · The Gruffalo series

A mouse takes a stroll through the deep dark wood and encounters various animals that want to eat him, but he outsmarts them by inventing a fictional creature called the gruffalo, which ultimately becomes real.

32 pages· 697 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 47,508 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a deep, dark wood, a clever mouse encounters a hungry fox, an owl, and a snake. To escape becoming their meal, he invents a fearsome creature—the gruffalo, with terrible claws and tusks. But is the gruffalo just a figment of his imagination, or is there more to this tale? As the mouse navigates danger with wit and courage, discover if his clever ruse will keep him safe or lead to unexpected surprises. Dive into this enchanting story where imagination and reality blur in the most delightful way.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 2012

Love Monster

By Rachel Bright · Love Monster series

A monster searches for someone who loves him just the way he is.

32 pages· 289 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,769 ratings

Board Book

Summary: In a town full of cuddly creatures, a googly-eyed monster struggles to fit in. Determined to find someone who loves him for who he is, he embarks on a heartfelt journey. As he searches high and low, he discovers that love often appears when least expected. Will he find the acceptance he longs for? Join Love Monster on his quest for belonging and see if love truly knows no bounds.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2020

Bo the Brave

By Bethan Woollvin

A young girl sets out to catch a monster, but instead befriends various creatures who challenge her perceptions of what it means to be a monster.

32 pages· 640 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 559 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Bo, a determined young girl, sets out to prove her brothers wrong by capturing a monster. Facing a griffin, kraken, and dragon, she learns the true nature of monsters. Are they the creatures she hunts, or something more familiar? Embark on Bo's quest through a vibrant medieval world, where bravery and wit reveal unexpected truths.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2019

How I Met My Monster

By Amanda Noll, Howard McWilliam (Illustrator) · I Need My Monster series

A boy discovers that monsters are real and are living under his bed, but they are not as scary as he thought.

32 pages· 1,143 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 908 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ethan finds a mysterious note under his bed, leading to a parade of quirky monsters vying for the role of his bedtime guardian. Each creature has its own unique charm, but only Gabe, the little green monster, has the perfect mix of snorts and growls to keep Ethan in bed. As the competition unfolds, Ethan must decide which monster will help him drift into dreamland. Will Gabe's spooky skills be enough to win the job? Discover the delightful blend of giggles and shivers in this enchanting tale of bedtime monsters.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2020

Hugsby

By Dow Phumiruk

A pet monster's hugs prove more valuable than any trick at Show and Tell Day.

40 pages

4.9/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 114 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Shelly's pet monster, Hugsby, can't perform tricks like the others, but his hugs are unmatched. As Show and Tell Day looms, Shelly worries about what Hugsby can offer. When the moment arrives, she discovers that Hugsby's warm embrace is more meaningful than any spectacle. Will Shelly's realization change how others see Hugsby?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2020

Do Not Go in There

By Ariel Horn, Izzy Burton (Illustrator)

Two friends face a mysterious door. Is it danger or delight?

32 pages

4.9/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 157 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Best friends Morton and Bogart face a closed door. Anxious Bogart fears the worst, while adventurous Morton hopes for wonder. What lies beyond? As they confront their imaginations, they learn bravery can lead to unexpected discoveries. Will they open the door and find out?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2017

I Want to Be in a Scary Story

By Sean Taylor, Jean Jullien (Illustrator)

Monster wants a scary story, but it's too frightening for him.

48 pages· 387 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 868 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Monster dreams of starring in a terrifying tale, but when dark forests and creepy witches become too real, he reconsiders. Is a funny story more his style? Join Monster as he navigates the unexpected twists of his own narrative, questioning if he truly desires the spine-chilling adventure he wished for. Will he find the courage to face his fears, or will he opt for laughter over fright? Discover the hilarity and surprises that unfold when a character's story takes an unexpected turn.

The Bookroo Book Club