That Monster on the Block

Monster is excited to see what kind of creature will move into Vampire's old house on the block. He even starts practicing his welcome growl for the new neighbor. But when the moving truck pulls up, it's not a greedy goblin, an ogre, or a dastardly dragon that steps out. Instead, it's something even more terrifying than Monster could have imagined Monster quickly rallies the other neighbors to unite against the new guy on the block. But what if the new neighbor isn't exactly as bad as Monster thinks? Join Monster as he confronts his fears in this charming and lighthearted look at what it means to accept others who are different from us.

Sue Ganz-Schmitt was born on the Fourth of July and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. She now lives in the mountains of Los Angeles with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. She is the author of many picture books, including the popular Planet Kindergarten and Planet Kindergarten: 100 Days in Orbit, both illustrated by Shane Prigmore. Sue is the cofounder of a children's musical theater program, a philanthropist, and a space enthusiast. She has traveled to China to help medically challenged orphans and set up a birthing clinic in rural India. She holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Learn more at www.sueganzschmitt.com.

Luke Flowers is the illustrator of more than fifty children's books, including the New York Times bestseller A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with poems by Fred Rogers and Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol storybook. Growing up, Mister Rogers and Kermit the Frog were two characters that inspired his dream to become an artist, so these were milestone books to bring to life. He is also both the author and illustrator of the Moby Shinobi series. Luke grew up with a love for all things Halloween and classic monster movies, and although he's never been a clown, Luke does enjoy puppeteering, playing banjo, and having wacky adventures with his family. He lives with his wife and three children in Colorado Springs. Learn more about his story, books, and art at www.lukeflowers.com.