Books
The Monster Who Ate My Peas
How far would you go to avoid doing the thing you fear most? In The Monster Who Ate My Peas, the narrator thinks he has discovered the perfect method for making his dreaded peas disappear . . . a monster who eats yucky foods, for a price. But the boy soon learns that you must deal with the consequences of your choices, and it’s easier to face your fears than to run from them. This hilarious picture book from author Danny Schnitzlein will have little pea-phobes, picky eaters, and monster lovers begging for repeated reads.
“I closed my eyes tightly and sent out a wish
That the peas would somehow disappear from my dish
And something quite strange and mysterious occurred,
As if somehow… somebody… somewhere had heard.”
He makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster who will eat the boy’s peas in exchange for a soccer ball. But with each new encounter, the monster’s demands escalate. Eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision―can he conquer his loathing for peas, or will he lose his most prized possession?
Danny Schnitzlein’s Seuss-inspired verse combine with Matt Faulkner’s uproariously detailed illustrations to create a clever story about how far we’re willing to go to avoid the things we hate.
“The boy’s dilemma is classic and heroic: He needs to determine his values and assert his strength. What is, on the surface, a fine tale for picky eaters becomes a fable illustrating the kind of character strength that undergirds all important decisions in life. This is one of the best picture storybooks to come along in a while. It’s told in spirited verse with wonderful vocabulary and wordplay, and meter and rhyme (reminiscent of Dr. Seuss) that are a cut above the usual.” --Tampa Tribune
“The rhymes flow, begging to be read aloud. Children will clamor to hear this one again and again.” --School Library Journal
“Told with brilliantly rhyming text and illustrated with outlandish humor, this story will drive home a point while making your child laugh out loud.”
--Christian Parenting Today
“. . . full of action and fun. Large characters with vivid expressions combine with the catchy story-rhyme to create an endearing tale for both reader and listener alike. Highly recommended for all libraries.”
--Christian Library Journal
“Told in rhyme, this tale’s description of the monster is a wonderful example of using adjectives to paint a picture. Students will enjoy the marvelous illustrations. This would be a good title to start a lesson on nutrition or on making choices and facing consequences.” --Library Talk
“This is a hilarious book, not only for its clever, rhyming text, but also for the wild illustrations. Kids will certainly be able to relate.” --OC Family, Newport Beach, CA
“The rhymes flow, begging to be read aloud. Children will clamor to hear this one again and again.” ―School Library Journal
Awards:
Virginia Readers’ Choice (Primary Winner) ―Virginia State Reading Association
Young Hoosier Book Award (Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Educational Media Organization
Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award (Nominee) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association
Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians
Titles Worth Adding to your Shelf, KIND (Kids in Nature’s Defense)
Nominee, Georgia Picture book Author of the Year, Georgia Writers.
Hot Picks, Albemarle Magazine
The Monster Who Did My Math
A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse.
After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day. At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?
In paragraph seven of clause ninety-three,
“If you don’t learn anything, do not blame me!”
When the bill comes, will our hero have the money―and the math skill―to subtract that wicked monster from his life once and for all?
“Mayer’s vibrant, computer-generated illustrations, replete with gigantic otherworldly grins and mortal eyes stretched tall with fear, will appeal to fans of afternoon cartoons. Outlandish shadows convey the cautionary nature of the tale, while amusing details keep the mood perpetually fun. Narrated in humorous verse, this ‘tale of mathematical mayhem’ will provide an entertaining addition to math classes and a useful warm-up to tutoring sessions with less-than-enthusiastic students.” ―School Library Journal
“Bill Mayer’s bright, wacky gouache illustrations are every bit as much fun as the story.” ―Courier-Times
“The artwork in this book is masterful and the poetry enjoyable.” ―Science Books & Films
“Danny Schnitzlein’s rhyming story about taking responsibility and doing your homework is great for kids, whether they struggle with math or any other subject.” ―Parent and Teacher US Kids Magazine
“With brilliant, clever rhyming verse, award-winning author Danny Schnitzlein shows what happens when kids become lazy thinkers and attempt to take short cuts with their homework.” ―Janet Boyer
“This would be a good first day activity explaining the importance of problem solving, and doing your own work.” ―Kyle Norman
“This is a hilariously creepy yet adorable story that reminds us that the easy way out isn’t always the easiest way out; sometimes the experience, the journey, the things we learn along the way mean so much more than the end result.” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
“Not only does the story teach children about the fun that can be had with math, but it also teaches them the importance of choices they make…It’s a story that our family will be reading for years to come, not only because we love the illustrations and math but also because of the principles it teaches.” ―There’s a Book
Awards
Illustrators 50 Gold Medal (50th Annual Exhibition) ―Society of Illustrators, 2007
Illustration Annual ―Communication Arts, 2008
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2008
Storytelling World Resource Awards (Honor, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2009
25 Books All Young Georgians Should Read ―Georgia Center for the Book, 2010
Trick or Treat on Monster Street
When a jittery, jumpy kid is separated from his older brothers on Halloween night and finds himself alone on Monster Street, he fears the worst!
The boy’s dread of things that go bump in the night fills his head with monstrous thoughts. Lightning flashes. Bats flap overhead. Doors squeak open. Hairy arms and tentacles drop spiders into his sack. The boy is relieved when he finally meets up with another trick-or-treater. That is, until his new friend removes his mask…
Illustrator Matt Faulkner’s ghoulishly entertaining illustrations capture the playful mood of Danny Schnitzlein’s clever verse. Children will love the surprising twists and turns of the plot, especially how the young hero conquers his fears…with a little help from his new fiendish friends.
“Kids will get a kick out of hearing how one little boy overcomes his fears and how his mean brothers get their due in this story told in delightful verse.” ―Baltimore Sun
“A good story with skillful rhymes, exuberant art and lots to look at on every page.” ―San Francisco Chronicle
“Narrated in rhyming verse, Trick or Treat on Monster Street is perfect for children’s library Halloween and holiday collections.” ―Midwest Book Review
“A great Halloween picture book for all your little ghouls and goblins. Your cute little pumpkin will like it too. Highly Recommended.” ―Boys to Books
“This book encourages diversity via not judging by appearances, with a good dose of sibling revenge when the older brothers see what he brings back from trick-or-treating on Monster Street.” ―Janet Boyer
“It details, in a very fun way, that fears can be in the eye of the beholder and are easily overcome.” ―Jenn’s Bookshelves
“A great book for all ages that will keep you in scares and stitches year after year, this is definitely a family friendly read for all your Halloween celebrations.” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Awards
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2009
Gnu and Shrew
Gnu and Shrew match wits while trying to reach a cave filled with diamonds in this STEM-filled twist on “The Ant and the Grasshopper.”
“A refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.” —Booklist
When Gnu says that there’s a cave filled with diamonds across the river, Shrew is intrigued. But Gnu seems to be all talk, fantasizing about riches yet dismissing all of Shrew’s suggestions. As Gnu dreams his days away, tossing out one big idea after another, Shrew spends his nights trying to make those dreams a reality. Will Gnu’s big ideas ever be able to mesh with Shrew’s hard work to make something remarkable happen?
Author Danny Schnitzlein uses deadpan storytelling to put an entertaining spin on “The Ant and the Grasshopper” that values the roles of both dreamers and doers. Anca Sandu’s illustrations, rendered in pencil and colored digitally, add to the humor and whimsy.
“This is not the usual story of industry triumphing over sloth….it’s refreshing to see a fable in which a generous spirit mitigates the usual ‘gotcha’ ending.” —Publishers Weekly
“Schnitzlein keeps readers aware of the yin and yang of the characters’ relationship without judging them, employing a pleasing pattern of language and syntax—and a few unexpected twists…. Fun, a few surprises, and something to ponder.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Sandu’s cheerful, digitally colored pencil illustrations contain plenty of amusing details, wonderfully capturing the different energies of the characters. Schnitzlein’s humorous story surprises in its sympathy toward both characters….a refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.” —Booklist
Awards
Best STEM Books—ASEE / ITEEA / NSTA / SEPA / CBC, 2021
Children’s Gallery Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022