 First edition | |
| Author | Jeanne Willis |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Susan Varley |
| Cover artist | Susan Varley |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's Book |
| Publisher | Andersen Press |
Publication date | 1986 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 0-688-06804-9 |
| OCLC | 13792915 |
| [E] 19 | |
| LC Class | PZ8.3.W6799 Mo 1987 |
The Monster Bed is a 1987 children's book by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Susan Varley that revolves around the twist on the common "monsters under the bed" story that frighten children. The book is a young reader, normally aimed for 4 years or older. The main character, the monster Dennis, believes that human children are under his bed and will get him as he falls asleep. His mother, however, tries to get him to go to sleep. Eventually, a human child accidentally ventures into their home cave, and both the human and Dennis discover each other, frightening both.
The book was aimed at decreasing the fear of night in children by basically telling them that monsters were just as afraid of humans as humans were of monsters. The book received good reviews after it came out, with hardly any review lower than a 75% rating on any book review site. Some of the books came with an extra plush toy of Dennis with his pillow and teddy bear in each arm.
An animated adaptation of the book was broadcast on September 9, 1989, as one of the ABC Weekend Specials.[1] Various liberties were taken with the adaptation such as Dennis’ name being changed to Trashy and having an antagonist.
- ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 55–56. ISBN 978-1476665993.