Monsters by Stéphane Servant illustrated by Nicolas Zouliamis

Translated from the French by Sarah ardizzone

One day the circus comes to town with something very special to see.

‘Our village lay at the end of the world.

Truly, the end of the world.’

One day the circus comes to town with the promise of a monster on view who is so terrible ‘in its presence, kings and queens have fainted’.

Only Otto, the narrator, isn’t scared when the monster begins to sing; he knows the monster is telling a story. 

Bullied by Max for having a ‘sparrow’s heart’, Otto has always felt on the outside, just like the monster. 

Could it be in helping the monster, Otto can learn that having a sparrow’s heart is a sign of strength?

This is a tale of mystery and wonder which will remain with you long after you’ve finished reading. What a super way to begin discussions about how we treat and care for one another.

I found myself smiling at the end of this modern day fable and know it would be a super story to read aloud.

Part graphic novel the black and white illustrations by Nicolas Zouliamis are as moving as the text. 

A beautiful book from Pushkin Children’s publishing which is sure to delight any child and would be the most perfect gift.

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