My original Monster Storytime post has been a reader favorite, so I thought it was time for a part two! While I’m not currently leading storytimes, I still love gathering fun ideas for books, songs, and crafts that fit a monster theme. These are perfect for librarians, educators, or families looking to bring a little silly-spooky fun into storytime or home reading. I even tested the craft idea below with my daughter — and we both gave it two thumbs (or claws!) up.
Monster Books
Are You My Monster by Amanda Noll
This adorable board book follows a young child searching for his monster. Using clues like sharp teeth, a long tail, and specific colors, he compares each silly creature to the picture he drew—until he finally finds the perfect match! With a sweet, satisfying ending and plenty of playful monster fun, this one’s a great pick for toddlers and preschoolers.
There’s a Monster in Your Book
This playful interactive story—now available as a sturdy board book—is perfect for little hands and a lively monster storytime. Readers are invited to help shake, tilt, and turn the pages to get the mischievous monster out of the book! Interactive read-alouds like this one are a hit with young listeners, especially in small groups where kids can join in the fun. For larger crowds, model the actions yourself and let children pretend along with you.
The Monster Mac and Cheese Party
This lively monster storytime book follows a silly monster throwing a party where everyone brings a wacky dish—like the bat, who brings Bat Mac n’ Bugs! Children will love the playful chaos and humor throughout. While it might not be a go-to for reading at home, its silly antics make it a fantastic choice for storytime read-alouds, engaging kids with rhythm, repetition, and lots of monster fun.
Let’s Monster Up by Cyndi Marko
This charming story follows a young monster who must face his fears to help his friend find her pet turtle. With a sweet, not-scary monster, it gives off Leonardo the Terrible Monster vibes and is perfect for engaging young listeners. Kids will enjoy the mix of humor, bravery, and heart, making it a delightful pick for monster storytime or home reading.
Songs to Sing
If You’re a Monster and You Know it
If you’re a monster and you know it, clap your claws.
If you’re a monster and you know it, clap your claws.
If you’re a monster and you know it, and you really want to show it.
If you’re a monster and you know it, clap your claws.
Other verses: shake your tail, give a growl.
5 Little Monsters
5 little monsters sleeping in my bed
1 crawled out from under my spread
I called to Mama and Mama said
“no more monsters sleeping in your bed”
continue until there are no little monsters and say
no little monsters sleeping in my bed
none crawling out from under my spread
I called to Mama and Mama said
“there are no more monsters, go to bed!”
Credit: Preschool Education
The Monster Mash
I never had a group of kids willing to just dance to a song with me – I had to make it a game. Maybe have them dance like monsters and do freeze dance and pause the song occasionally. This is great practice for following directions too!
Monster Craft Ideas
Make a monster.
I did this craft as part of my last post and I stand by it. Process art is one of my new favorite things – putting supplies out and letting children create whatever their hearts desire. I put out google eyes, Pom poms, markers, and glue and let my daughter create a monster. She went for a very minimal look, and was so proud.
Toilet Paper Roll Monsters.
I found this idea from First Cry Parenting and I love a good toilet paper roll craft. If you are in a library, plan ahead and ask staff to hold onto their toilet paper rolls and you will have enough for monster storytime! I used construction paper, markers, glue, and google eyes for mine – you can never go wrong with google eyes.
Monster puppets!
If you have any old lunch bags lying around, use those, otherwise head to the dollar store. Bring out all of the random craft supplies you have like stickers, feathers, pipe cleaners, markers, etc. Let the kids create their own monster puppets and tell their monster’s story.
If you want more ideas, check out my Monster Storytime post from a few years ago!