There’s No Such Thing As Monsters: A Flashlight Adventure to Read Together

A coat on a hook can make an unfamiliar shape in a dim room. In daylight, you can see its sleeves. With the light low, those same sleeves look different.

There's No Such Thing As Monsters builds an adventure around that gap between what something looks like and what it is.

The story's small detective

The child's character hears creaks, notices shadows, and takes a flashlight through the house. Ordinary objects and nighttime noises explain the mysteries along the way. The child's name and illustrated likeness personalize the investigation.

The premise may appeal to a child who likes guessing what caused a sound. It may be unwelcome to a child who does not want monsters mentioned at all. Preview the sample pages before choosing it, and let the child's response guide the reading.

Solve a small mystery together

You can ask, "What do you think is making that shape?" and wait for an answer. You can also simply read. A child does not need to solve every mystery or agree that a picture is harmless.

If they want to skip a page, look ahead, or stop, allow it. Ask which part they would like to return to another time.

Try the idea in daylight, if they want to

Choose two familiar objects, such as a soft toy and a cup. In a comfortable room, use a lamp or flashlight to cast their shadows on a wall. Keep lights out of eyes and have an adult manage any cords or hot lamps.

Move one object closer to the light, then farther away. Ask what changed. Let the child make the next shadow while you guess.

Call it a shadow game. There is no need to pretend a creature is real, stage a frightening surprise, or insist the child inspect a dark cupboard.

At bedtime, respond to the child in front of you

A simple response might be, "That sound worried you. I'm here." If you recognize the noise, name its ordinary source. Adjust the light or stay nearby according to what your family can manage.

You do not need to turn every bedtime into a search through the house. Return to a familiar routine, and save optional games for a time when the child is comfortable playing.

For fears that persist or interfere with daily life, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional. The NHS guidance on anxiety in children explains when additional help is appropriate.

Choosing between two nighttime adventures

Me & Spark takes a different route through a nighttime forest with a small fire companion. This book stays with household mysteries. Choose by the setting and imagery your child enjoys, and the questions they like to ask.

Review the character preview and the separate story samples before ordering. Then read at the pace that works for the child, even if that means saving the next mystery for another day.