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Monster Hands

Author Karen Kane, Jonaz McMillan
Illustrated by Dion MBD
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Ebook
Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
On sale May 07, 2024 | 32 Pages | 9780593532300
Preschool - 2
Reading Level: Lexile AD480L | Fountas & Pinnell L
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Two best friends use rhyming ASL to help vanquish their fear of the monster under the bed in this fun, interactive bedtime readaloud.

When nighttime comes, Milo has a problem—he’s convinced there’s a monster under his bed! Luckily, his best friend Mel knows just what to do—scare the monster more than the monster scares you! So using shadow puppets on the wall, Mel and Milo make monster hands that roar, chomp and even laugh to scare the monster away. But uh oh! What if the monster thinks this is funny! This is NOT funny! Milo has an idea to show the monster who’s boss once and for all. Together Milo and Mel hatch a plan to scare the monster away forever. But in the end, they discover the true cure to a monster problem is a best friend who will stand and face it with you.

Accompanied by warm, atmospheric art that dazzles, this soon-to-be bedtime favorite will provide much comfort to children facing a common bedtime fear.
Karen Kane grew up in Rochester, NY and became a sign language interpreter before becoming a writer. A graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts, Karen is the author of the Edgar Award-nominated book Charlie & Frog and its sequel The Boney Hand, and the “hilarious and subversive” picture book with Beth Bacon, Alphabuddies: G Is First!

Jonaz McMillan, a Deaf writer and producer based in Los Angeles, is known for his work in film, TV, and children's literature. Currently pursuing an MFA in Writing for Film and TV at Emerson College, his notable projects include 'The Tuba Thieves,' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, 'CBS Showcase 2022,' and 'Hands Land,' among others. Previously, he served as a faculty member at Gallaudet University, also his alma mater. Occasionally, he writes from the heart on napkins and leaves them in public places, hoping they resonate with strangers.

Dion MBD (short for Dionisius Mehaga Bangun Djayasaputra) is an Indonesian illustrator/designer who lives and works between Brooklyn and Bandung. Dion received his illustration BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, where he grew his fascination with clouds. In his downtime, Dion is either cooking, listening to John Mayer, or cloud-watching.
Karen Kane View titles by Karen Kane
Jonaz McMillan View titles by Jonaz McMillan
Dion MBD View titles by Dion MBD
Praise for Monster Hands:

A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month—May 2024

★ "Kane and debut author McMillan build suspense with each of the duo’s attempts to banish the monster, creating a lively collaboration that gives way to a tender gesture between the friends. MBD employs vibrant gradient hues to create looming shadows and dynamically highlight ASL signs."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A thrilling tale of bravery, friendship, and the power of signing. Children will eagerly sign or shout along with the most exciting moments. MBD uses color, light, and perspective to create cute yet dramatic illustrations. This is an excellent read for any child fretting about things that go bump in the night, as well as an effortless celebration of ASL."—Kirkus, starred review

★ “Energetic and dramatic…Clever use of panels and framing make the children’s signing particularly viewer-friendly, and illustrator MBD depicts clearly and expressively ASL’s dynamism… Unlike so many stories that make an issue of the use of ASL, this one naturally and easily shows it as the language these children use—allowing the drama of the story to take center stage.”—The Horn Book, starred review

“Not only are readers treated to a relatable bedtime excursion, but they will also learn the signs for several terms, which are presented organically and naturally throughout the story. The illustrations are equally captivating, in a nighttime palette of blue and purple that depicts the monsters as somewhat eerie, but never anything terrifying…A welcome addition to all collections.”—School Library Journal

About

Two best friends use rhyming ASL to help vanquish their fear of the monster under the bed in this fun, interactive bedtime readaloud.

When nighttime comes, Milo has a problem—he’s convinced there’s a monster under his bed! Luckily, his best friend Mel knows just what to do—scare the monster more than the monster scares you! So using shadow puppets on the wall, Mel and Milo make monster hands that roar, chomp and even laugh to scare the monster away. But uh oh! What if the monster thinks this is funny! This is NOT funny! Milo has an idea to show the monster who’s boss once and for all. Together Milo and Mel hatch a plan to scare the monster away forever. But in the end, they discover the true cure to a monster problem is a best friend who will stand and face it with you.

Accompanied by warm, atmospheric art that dazzles, this soon-to-be bedtime favorite will provide much comfort to children facing a common bedtime fear.

Author

Karen Kane grew up in Rochester, NY and became a sign language interpreter before becoming a writer. A graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts, Karen is the author of the Edgar Award-nominated book Charlie & Frog and its sequel The Boney Hand, and the “hilarious and subversive” picture book with Beth Bacon, Alphabuddies: G Is First!

Jonaz McMillan, a Deaf writer and producer based in Los Angeles, is known for his work in film, TV, and children's literature. Currently pursuing an MFA in Writing for Film and TV at Emerson College, his notable projects include 'The Tuba Thieves,' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, 'CBS Showcase 2022,' and 'Hands Land,' among others. Previously, he served as a faculty member at Gallaudet University, also his alma mater. Occasionally, he writes from the heart on napkins and leaves them in public places, hoping they resonate with strangers.

Dion MBD (short for Dionisius Mehaga Bangun Djayasaputra) is an Indonesian illustrator/designer who lives and works between Brooklyn and Bandung. Dion received his illustration BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, where he grew his fascination with clouds. In his downtime, Dion is either cooking, listening to John Mayer, or cloud-watching.
Karen Kane View titles by Karen Kane
Jonaz McMillan View titles by Jonaz McMillan
Dion MBD View titles by Dion MBD

Praise

Praise for Monster Hands:

A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month—May 2024

★ "Kane and debut author McMillan build suspense with each of the duo’s attempts to banish the monster, creating a lively collaboration that gives way to a tender gesture between the friends. MBD employs vibrant gradient hues to create looming shadows and dynamically highlight ASL signs."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A thrilling tale of bravery, friendship, and the power of signing. Children will eagerly sign or shout along with the most exciting moments. MBD uses color, light, and perspective to create cute yet dramatic illustrations. This is an excellent read for any child fretting about things that go bump in the night, as well as an effortless celebration of ASL."—Kirkus, starred review

★ “Energetic and dramatic…Clever use of panels and framing make the children’s signing particularly viewer-friendly, and illustrator MBD depicts clearly and expressively ASL’s dynamism… Unlike so many stories that make an issue of the use of ASL, this one naturally and easily shows it as the language these children use—allowing the drama of the story to take center stage.”—The Horn Book, starred review

“Not only are readers treated to a relatable bedtime excursion, but they will also learn the signs for several terms, which are presented organically and naturally throughout the story. The illustrations are equally captivating, in a nighttime palette of blue and purple that depicts the monsters as somewhat eerie, but never anything terrifying…A welcome addition to all collections.”—School Library Journal

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