A guest post by Heidi Yates, author of Monster Manners A to Z

The idea for Monster Manners A to Z started with an A-to-Z list of monsters I had jotted down in my notebook of story ideas. I absolutely love Halloween and monstrous creatures, so this playful list became my springboard.

When it came to combining monsters with manners, the fun and humor definitely came first. I thought the idea of forcing chaotic monsters to follow proper etiquette was the perfect recipe for comedy because it is the opposite of how they are usually portrayed.

As readers journey through the party, they’ll witness 26 different creatures from A to Z demonstrating proper etiquette and positive attitudes. Ogres don’t spread germs, vampires never bite, and werewolves follow rules! 

For instance, Frankenstein shows the value of helpfulness when he literally lends a hand, though he notes, “I’ll need that back when you’re done.”

I simply set out to create a fun story that readers will want to open again and again, and I hope it brings a lot of laughs to libraries, classrooms, and children’s bedtimes.

The monster bash setting came straight from a childhood memory of mine. I remember going to a Halloween-themed birthday party for my neighborhood friend who was turning six.

Her dad had built an epic haunted house to walk through just to get to the party. Even though it was the coolest thing ever, I was completely terrified and froze in the driveway. Both of our dads spent ages trying to convince me there was absolutely nothing to fear. That memory became the exact inspiration for the not-so-spooky party, and it sparked the very first lines of the book: “Invited to your first Monster Bash but shaky on what to expect? Have no fear!”

I hope this playful story brings reassurance, and plenty of laughs, to young readers this Halloween. You are officially invited to join the fun!

Heidi Yates is an author, illustrator and nature photographer from the home of the sasquatch (Pacific Northwest). Heidi loves Halloween, mythical creatures, and creating spine-tingling stories. Monster Manners A to Z is her "dé-boo" picture book.

Illustrations above are by Yana Kozak, from Monster Manners A to Z.

Looking for more funny picture books? These offbeat picks were plugged at Easter but do not mention the holiday—you can read them year-round!

Want to read another guest post by an author? Check out Four Asian American Activists You've Been Sleeping On by Kristina Wong. 

Need more Halloween reads? View the list on our Beaming Books homepage.