How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace: A Delightfully Spooky Adventure for Young Readers

Introduction: A Playful Twist on Childhood Fears

What happens when the tables turn, and the monster under the bed isn’t the one who should be afraid? How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace (illustrated by Andy Elkerton) flips the classic childhood fear on its head, delivering a whimsical, action-packed story that’s equal parts funny and heartwarming.

Part of the beloved How to Catch… series, this book follows a brave young protagonist who sets out to capture a monster—only to discover that things aren’t quite what they seem. With vibrant illustrations, clever rhymes, and a surprise twist, Wallace crafts a story that’s perfect for bedtime reading or classroom storytelling.

If you’re looking for a book that encourages bravery, creativity, and a little mischief, How to Catch a Monster is a must-read. Let’s dive into why this book stands out in the world of children’s literature.

Plot Summary: A Monster Hunt Gone Wild

The story begins with a confident young hero (whose gender is left open to interpretation, making the book universally relatable) preparing to catch the monster lurking in their house. Armed with clever traps—from sticky webs to elaborate mazes—the child sets out to prove that monsters aren’t so scary after all.

But as the chase unfolds, the monster (a lovable, blue-furred creature with expressive eyes) proves to be more elusive—and more surprising—than expected. Just when the child thinks they’ve outsmarted their prey, the monster reveals a secret that turns the entire adventure on its head.

Without giving away the delightful twist, the resolution is both unexpected and heartwarming, reinforcing themes of friendship, bravery, and seeing beyond appearances.

Character Analysis: More Than Meets the Eye

The Brave Child Protagonist

The young hero is instantly relatable—full of determination, creativity, and just a touch of mischief. Their confidence in setting up traps makes them an empowering figure for kids who might be afraid of the dark or imaginary creatures.

The Misunderstood Monster

The monster, far from being a terrifying beast, is playful, clever, and surprisingly endearing. Elkerton’s illustrations give the creature a goofy charm, with exaggerated expressions that make it impossible not to root for him. By the end, readers may find themselves questioning who the real “monster” is!

Supporting Elements

The book’s secondary “characters” are the traps themselves—each one more elaborate than the last. From giant nets to Rube Goldberg-style contraptions, they add a layer of humor and creativity that keeps kids engaged.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Rhyme, Rhythm, and Read-Aloud Magic

Adam Wallace’s signature rhyming couplets make How to Catch a Monster a joy to read aloud. The rhythm is bouncy and energetic, perfect for keeping young listeners hooked. Lines like:

“I’ll set a trap with sticky goo,
A net so strong—it’s sure to do!”

…make the book feel like a playful chant, encouraging kids to join in.

Andy Elkerton’s illustrations are bursting with color and motion, adding depth to the chase. The monster’s exaggerated expressions and the child’s determined grin create a dynamic visual narrative that complements the text beautifully.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: Bravery, Friendship, and Perspective

At its core, How to Catch a Monster is about:

  • Facing fears – The child’s bravery in confronting the monster teaches kids that sometimes, fear is just a matter of perspective.
  • Friendship in unexpected places – The twist ending reinforces that first impressions aren’t always right.
  • Creativity & problem-solving – The elaborate traps encourage imaginative thinking.

Parents and educators will appreciate how the book subtly addresses childhood anxieties while keeping the tone light and fun.

Reading Experience: Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

As a read-aloud book, How to Catch a Monster is a hit. The pacing keeps kids engaged, the rhymes make it fun to recite, and the twist ending often elicits giggles (or shocked gasps!). My own test audience (a group of 5-year-olds) demanded an immediate re-read to spot clues they missed the first time.

The book also sparks great post-reading discussions:

  • “What would YOUR monster trap look like?”
  • “Have you ever been afraid of something that turned out to be not so scary?”

Comparison to Other Works in the Genre

Fans of How to Catch a Leprechaun or The Gruffalo will find familiar themes here—mischievous creatures, clever protagonists, and a dash of humor. However, How to Catch a Monster stands out for its interactive, trap-building premise, making it a great choice for kids who love hands-on storytelling.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Engaging, rhythmic text – Perfect for read-aloud sessions.
✅ Gorgeous, dynamic illustrations – Full of little details to discover.
✅ Empowering message – Turns fear into fun.
✅ Replay value – Kids will want to read it again and again.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Predictable for older kids – Some may guess the twist early.
❌ Short length – Leaves readers wanting even more monster mayhem!

Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?

  • Ages 3-7 – Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
  • Parents & teachers – Great for bedtime stories or classroom read-alouds.
  • Fans of playful, interactive books – If your child loves Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! or There’s a Monster in Your Book, this is a perfect fit.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

A few standout lines:

“You think you’re scary? Well, I’m tough!
I’ll catch you fast—you’ve met your match!”

“But what if monsters aren’t so bad?
What if they’re lonely… or just sad?”

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Young Readers

How to Catch a Monster is a charming, clever, and visually stunning addition to any child’s bookshelf. With its engaging rhymes, lovable characters, and heartwarming twist, it’s a story that teaches bravery while keeping the giggles coming.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • What’s the funniest trap in the book?
  • Have you ever been afraid of something that turned out to be silly?
  • How would YOU catch a monster?

Have you read How to Catch a Monster? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🎉

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.