If you’ve got a little one who’s curious about monsters but not quite ready for the spooky stuff, you’re in the right place. Toddlers love stories filled with silly creatures, goofy faces, and bright illustrations—and luckily, there are tons of monster books for toddlers that are playful rather than frightening.
When my kids were small, we read the same monster books so many times that I could recite them while half-asleep (usually because I was!). The right book can make bedtime less of a battle and more of a giggly cuddle-fest.
Here’s a roundup of my favorite toddler-friendly monster books—perfect for storytime, preschool circle time, or as gifts.
1. Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
This classic interactive book lets kids “build” a monster face page by page, then make it disappear. It’s empowering for little ones who might be afraid of the dark.
Find it on Amazon
2. If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed by Denise Vega
Hilarious bedtime chaos meets playful monsters in this silly tale that parents will relate to just as much as kids.
Amazon
3. There’s a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
Part of Fletcher’s interactive series, this book has kids shaking, tilting, and blowing to get the monster out of the pages. A guaranteed giggle-fest.
Shop it here
4. Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter
Okay, technically not just about monsters—but Larry the Monster will steal your child’s heart. Simple, silly, and so much fun to read aloud.
See it on Amazon
5. Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett
This is one of those books that comes alive with a parent’s voice and a toddler’s giggles. Bonus: there are even “tickle monster mitts” you can buy separately.
Grab it on Amazon
6. How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
From the bestselling How to Catch series, this one is full of playful rhymes and mischievous illustrations. Great for toddlers who love to laugh.
Find it here
7. Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
Leonardo is terrible at scaring people, but that makes him the perfect friend. Mo Willems’ charm shines through, making this a favorite with parents and kids alike.
Check it on Amazon
8. Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Any book involving underpants is automatically a toddler hit. Add in goofy monsters, and you’ve got a storytime winner.
Available on Amazon
9. Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson
Winifred isn’t afraid of monsters… she just wants a good night’s sleep! The ending is adorably unexpected.
Get it on Amazon
10. Ten Little Monsters by Mike Brownlow
A counting book filled with bright illustrations and silly rhymes. Great for toddlers learning numbers.
See details on Amazon
Tips for Choosing Monster Books for Toddlers
- Keep it playful: Look for silly illustrations and rhymes rather than anything spooky.
- Interactive is best: Books with flaps, textures, or prompts keep toddlers engaged.
- Repetition works wonders: The more a phrase repeats, the more toddlers love it (and the quicker they’ll “read” along).
Monster books for toddlers don’t need to be scary—they can be downright delightful. Whether your child is easing bedtime fears or just loves funny characters, these books are a wonderful way to mix giggles with snuggles.
Pop a few of these on your bookshelf (or gift them at a toddler birthday party), and you’ll have storytime sorted.
