Little Monster (Ten Minutes to Bed)

LITTLE MONSTER (TEN MINUTES TO BED) is an adorable and charming board book about the last ten minutes before bed. Little Monster is getting ready to sleep, but first, she has a snack, plays with toys, reads a book - and has a ball with her monster friends. At the end of the book, she does settle down and get some well-deserved rest.

What I loved: This was a really fun book to read aloud with rhyming phrases that roll easily off the tongue. The story is impressive with how much happens in the ten minutes before bed, but parents will also giggle at the relatable absurdity at how challenging it can be to make it through those ten minutes. The story includes a minute countdown throughout, which is great for early number recognition.

The images are really fun with adorable monsters throughout in bright color. The inclusion of a map during the day and at sleep in the front and back were really adorable, with other creatures from books in the series making an appearance there. The ending settling down to sleep makes this a fun choice for nighttime.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, parents may not care too much for some of the bodily humor (such as the visually flatulent monster), even though children may enjoy the giggle. This also goes for the monster names (including the lead named Belch but also monster friends).

Final verdict: LITTLE MONSTER (TEN MINUTES TO BED) is a cute, rhyming board book that is fun to read aloud. Recommend for toddlers and preschoolers.