School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-This lively story meets nighttime fears head-on with the right mix of silliness and reassurance. Tucked into bed with Teddy by his side, a young boy closes his eyes and thinks about tomorrow's adventures until...there's a "bump" in the closet. Billy tries to be brave, but ends up under the bed. A "blue, bumping, bouncing, bellowing monster" appears and playfully grabs the teddy bear, but quickly returns it when the boy bursts into tears. Billy's fears are calmed, and the two become friends. Back in bed, Billy hears another "bump," but it's only the dog and he's definitely not afraid, "No-siree, Bob!" The acrylic-on-wood illustrations create the perfect mood for this appealing bedtime story. When the lights go out, the artwork glows in eerie moonlit blues. Objects have rounded edges and give comfort in the other-world quality of night. The placement of large and small illustrations enhances the text and accentuates the antics of the energetic boy and his new friend. Billy's Elvis-like hair, huge eyes, and expressive mouth make him a character to love. Children will find humor in the contrast between his courageous intentions and cowering actions. An excellent addition to nightstands and library shelves.-Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Billy, tucked into bed, hears a noise in his closet. Picturing "ghoulies," "ghosties," and "long-leggedy beasties," Billy lets his imagination run wild until he has the confidence to discover what exactly is going bump in the night. Acrylics done in shadowy nighttime blues and grays lend character to bug-eyed monsters in a story that humorously encourages facing one's fears. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Sporting an Elvis 'do and clutching his teddy bear, young Billy confronts his fears and finds that a bump in the night doesn't have to be scary. At first glance, though, the blue monster that appears from his closet does have him a bit worried. But when said monster handily ties up a ghoulie, ghostie and long-legged beastie that have also appeared, Billy knows he is an ally and not an enemy. The two then set off on a dream adventure involving a pirate ship and plenty of pastries. When another bump from the closet turns out to be his dog, Billy settles down to sleep at last. Hemingway's tongue-in-cheek text keeps the action moving along and adds a touch of humor. Quirky retro-style illustrations in shades of blue set the scene while full-page spreads alternate with vignettes; clever details, such as blocks that spell out different words according to the action, reward scrutiny. While the field is certainly crowded, it seems likely that this offbeat entry just may find an appreciative audience. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
