The Monster in the Backpack - (Candlewick Sparks) by Lisa Moser (Paperback)

About the Book

When Annie unzips her new flowered backpack and finds a monster inside, it's hard to say who is more shocked. Annie soon warms up to the exasperating but lovable creature in this humorous story complemented by energetic illustrations. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Having trouble with your backpack zipper? Maybe there's a monster inside! A little girl slowly warms up to her unexpected guest in this funny story.

When Annie unzips her backpack and finds a monster inside, it's hard to say who is more shocked. "AAAAHHHH!" yells the monster. "EEEEEEKKKK!" yells Annie. Then the monster proceeds to gobble up Annie's sandwich, put gum in her boot, and tear up her homework to use as confetti for an "Annie is great" parade during class. With perfect comic timing, this charming story depicts a young girl's shift from annoyance to affection as a disarming monster makes an untimely appearance.

Review Quotes

Spirited and funny...an offbeat alternative to easy readers depicting more orthodox friendships.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A funny book with brightly-colored, action-filled illustrations.
--Baton Rouge Advocate

Author Lisa Moser's training in elementary education and reading is obvious. She captures the mindset of her school-aged readers while using attainable vocabulary.
--Richmond Times-Dispatch

About the Author

LISA MOSER received a degree in early education with a concentration in reading from the University of Iowa. She taught fifth grade and got the idea for THE MONSTER IN THE BACKPACK-- her first book -- seven years ago from one of her students, who couldn't open the zipper on her backpack. " 'There must be a monster in there, ' I told the girl, and then I began to think, 'What if there really was?' "

NOAH Z. JONES is the illustrator of NOT NORMAN: A GOLDFISH STORY by Kelly Bennett, his first children's book. Of THE MONSTER IN THE BACKPACK, he says, "I laughed out loud when I first read Lisa's story. I couldn't wait to start drawing. It was especially fun to create a monster who wasn't scary or mean but caused mischief unintentionally and with such gleeful abandon."