Two of the first children's writers I met in person were Marcie Colleen and Tara Lazar at a NJ SCBWI event last fall.  Tara is the fabulous host of PiBoIdMo, Picture Book Idea Month, which has given me 30 fabulous picture book ideas to work on this year.

So when Marcie throws a party to celebrate the launch of Tara's new book The Monstore, it's time to party!

Marcie asked everyone to pick the monster they would buy at The Monstore, name him, and decide what his talent is. The kids wanted to play too.

(The Monstore illustrations
by James Burks)


My 5yo likes this pink one (um, yeah, probably because it's pink. She's pretty consistent on pinkness) with the big smile. She named it "Nada," which I think is short for Nada Scary Monster!  My daughter can be a little shy, so Nada's special talent is saying "hello" to new people my daughter is too shy to meet on her own. (Awww!)
(The Monstore illustrations
by James Burks)



My 3yo likes this blue unicorn monster who she named Duddlefish. I have no idea why she named him that. Did I mention she is 3? She said he can "fly her over rainbows." Yep, she's a bit of a girly-girl too.








(The Monstore illustrations
by James Burks)
My favorite is this green blob. Green is my favorite color, and it doesn't hurt that he was 1/2 off and I'm a sucker for a deal!

I'm naming him EyeTooted, because his talent is claiming any, um, toots you may accidentally let fly.

(The Monstore illustrations
by James Burks)
Let's say you are up at the board trying to solve an equation. You're trying so hard, you forget to control your bodily functions and a little fart slips out. Your monster says "Sorry, I tooted" saving you from complete and utter public humiliation!

I don't know how anyone could survive middle school without him.