Under-the-bed Fred

In this entertaining series opener from the team behind Toads on Toast and If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur, the monster under Leo's bed turns out to be friendly, not frightening. Over five episodic chapters, Leo gets to know Fred, who resembles an overgrown orange bear but can shapeshift into a variety of scary creatures and otherwise behave monsterly when it's called for-such as when an older boy named Sam wreaks havoc with Leo's belongings during a play date gone bad. "Sam the Man... meet Fred the Monster," quips Leo as Fred handles the situation. Zippy dialogue and Jack's energetic digital artwork make this an appealing odd-couple story that doesn't skimp on physical comedy. Ages 6-10. Author's agent: Hilary McMahon, Westwood Creative Artists. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A boy tackles his under-the-bed nighttime monster and his insecurities with curiosity, kindness, and a bit of wisdom. Alone in his bed at night, Leo, a white boy, confronts his fear head-on and directly addresses the monster that lurks beneath. The two begin to talk, and, much to the monster's pleasure, Leo kindly gives him the name Fred. A mutual understanding develops when Fred explains that scaring Leo is his job. Seemingly unimpressed, Leo does get a bit frightened when Fred turns into a roaring lion, a fang-toothed snake, and a fire-breathing dragon. Back in bed in the dark with only eyes visible, Leo wisely compliments Fred as the two settle in. "You're very good at your job." Then: " Sleep tight,' said Leo. Don't let the bedbugs bite.' / Bugs?' said Fred. There are bugs?' " Quirky, expressive cartoon digital artwork captures both the anxiety and humor exhibited in the dialogue-heavy short sentences and chapters. Leo's newly acquired companion eventually helps him to conquer an aggressive playmate (also white) and to confidently present his show-and-tell school assignment. In the first of a new series, this extended version of Mercer Mayer's classic There's a Nightmare in My Closet (1968) incorporates themes of friendship, bullying, and school angst, offers satisfying conclusions, and gives readers good reason to empathize with Leo and his alter ego, Fred. A welcome new pair of friends for the chapter-book set. (Fiction. 7-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.