We absolutely loved Nicola L Robinson's tale of monstery goings on, "The Monster Machine" but how  would you like your very own festive monster to make, colour and keep? Of course you would! So why not step over to Nicola's rather excellent blog via this handy dandy link:

A Monster Pop-Up Card to Print, Make and Colour



As you can see from the link, Nicola's monster is wonderfully decked out in festive green and red but you can colour and decorate yours however you want.

If you've not seen the book yet, what on earth are you waiting for! Take a look at our 'Book of the Week' review of "The Monster Machine", out now from Pavilion Books. Perfect for the little monsters in your life!

Charlotte was so enamoured by her copy of Nicola L Robinson's "The Monster Machine" that to thank Nicola, she sent her a drawing of Mummy Monster, Daddy Monster and a tiny little baby monster. Nicola loved it and it now takes pride of place on her studio noticeboard.

Charlotte even made the Monster Machine Blog!

http://themonstermachinepicturebook.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/monster-family-daddy-monster-mummy.html

Since getting the book, Charlotte's been thinking of all sorts of weird and wonderful monsters to draw next (she seems to have a thing about drawing three sets of eyes / feet / arms which is cool!)

If you haven't already picked up the book, and are looking for something monster-flavoured for your own little monsters to read while they're on their summer hols, go grab a copy of 'The Monster Machine' now!

Here at ReadItDaddy we've discussed at length children's fascination with all things spooky and monstrous. Why are monster books so popular with kids? What is it about the slightly scary and unusual that draws them in more immediately than books that feature fluffy little bunnies running lemonade stands for their friends?

One person knows the secret, and she's not telling. Nicola L Robinson's "The Monster Machine" successfully taps into this rich seam of inspiration to produce a children's book that is fun, fantastically detailed and immensely entertaining.

Charlotte's first reaction was (of course) to pick "the monster that is me" (with a little boy as the main 'human' character in the book, her default position was to pick a rather beautiful beaky-toothy striped monster as 'her'). 'The Monster Machine' tells the story of a little boy and his inventor dad. After toiling in his workshop one day, Dad invents a machine that makes monsters (from a rather hilarious and gross list of ingredients that, hey, we all probably have kicking around at home at some point, right?)

The Monster Machine is a resounding success, with whirling gears, pulsating tubes and exquisite saxophone valves for controls. It's extremely effective too, and soon the house is filled with monsters of all shapes and sizes.

What can an ordinary everyday boy and his dad (and their dog) do with a houseful of monsters though? You'll just have to pick up Nicola's book to find out.

It's a real smasher this, with the bold colourful illustrations and entertaining story making it suitable for a wide range of young readers (the monsters are such a happy bunch that even the very youngest readers won't find them monstrous at all!)

Charlotte's best bit: Beaky monster (because she's so cute!)

Daddy's favourite bit: The marvellous, chaotic, steampunky monster machine itself and the glorious list of ingredients that go to make up a monster.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Book of the Week

(ReadItDaddy would like to point out that this book was generously supplied by Nicola herself for review. Review copies supplied by publishers / authors are reviewed under our guidelines fairly and basically, what Charlotte says, goes anyway!)