Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters Go Party; Zanna Davidson, illustrated by Melanie Williamson

Billy is back for his fifth adventure with the mini monsters. If you’re unfamiliar with the series then don’t worry as each story can be read as a stand alone and the books do not need to be read in order. Everything in Billy’s life was normal until one night he found five unusual looking creatures hiding in his sock drawer. Since rescuing the mini monsters and saving their lives they have become a permanent a part of his life, promising to remain by his side as a thank you for his life-saving duties. And ever since this happened, Billy’s life has never quite been the same…

Billy is excited to be going to Jack’s fancy dress birthday party - he is going to dress-up as a superhero. He is not excited that his little sister who is friends with Jack’s little sister is going too. His sister is always messing with his stuff and trying to sneak into his bedroom. The mini monsters are also looking forward to the party but Billy is determined that the monsters will stay at home after their recent outings have been slightly problematic - nearly drowning at the swimming pool, getting lost with the luggage at the airport and causing trouble at school. But the mischievous mini monsters are not ones for doing as they are told and obviously sneak off to the party. And when the monsters start causing all sorts of mayhem and mischief, Billy will need to call on all his superhero skills to get them back…

Monsters Go Party is packed with birthday party fun and mini monster mayhem. It will be another hit with fans of the Billy and the Mini Monsters series. The narrative is told from two different viewpoints. Billy’s story is written in paragraphs of text whilst the mini monsters story is told through a comic strip.

This book has lovely messages about relationships and the joy of having a sibling. Billy is initially frustrated with his younger sister who breaks his toys and ruins his games but when he needs someone to help it is his sister that is there for him. They both delight in sharing secrets with each other and by the end of the story they are revelling in their special sibling bond

If you haven’t met the mini-monsters before then there is an ‘All about the Mini Monsters’ double page spread at the back of the book with information about each of the monsters.

Recommended for 6+.