Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters to the Rescue; Zanna Davidson, illustrated by Melanie Williamson

Billy is back for his third 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 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…

Monday. Billy hated Monday’s as it was school swimming lessons and Billy was terrible at swimming. The mini monsters are trying their best to cheer Billy up but nothing they do seems to make any difference. To make matters worse, there is going to be a diving competition in front of the parents so Billy will get to embarrass himself in front of more people than usual. Despite his best efforts to get out of going Billy finds himself at the swimming pool and it is his turn to dive. Oh, and who should be climbing up the steps to the top of the highest diving board…the mini monsters. Billy’s up and all eyes are on him…

Monsters to the Rescue is a fun, quick and entertaining read that will no doubt be a hit with young readers. 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.

There are gentle messages about fear and anxieties and how stepping out of your comfort zone is part of the journey in overcoming fears.

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+.