Monster Hands

Praise

Praise for Monster Hands:

An ALSC 2025 Notable Children’s Books Selection
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of 2024
A 2024 Booklist Editors’ Choice Pick
A 2024 Kirkus Best Books
A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month—May 2024

★ “Kane and debut author McMillan build suspense with each of the duo’s attempts to banish the monster, creating a lively collaboration that gives way to a tender gesture between the friends. MBD employs vibrant gradient hues to create looming shadows and dynamically highlight ASL signs.“—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “A thrilling tale of bravery, friendship, and the power of signing. Children will eagerly sign or shout along with the most exciting moments. MBD uses color, light, and perspective to create cute yet dramatic illustrations. This is an excellent read for any child fretting about things that go bump in the night, as well as an effortless celebration of ASL.”—Kirkus, starred review

★ “Energetic and dramatic…Clever use of panels and framing make the children’s signing particularly viewer-friendly, and illustrator MBD depicts clearly and expressively ASL’s dynamism… Unlike so many stories that make an issue of the use of ASL, this one naturally and easily shows it as the language these children use—allowing the drama of the story to take center stage.”—The Horn Book, starred review

“Not only are readers treated to a relatable bedtime excursion, but they will also learn the signs for several terms, which are presented organically and naturally throughout the story. The illustrations are equally captivating, in a nighttime palette of blue and purple that depicts the monsters as somewhat eerie, but never anything terrifying…A welcome addition to all collections.”—School Library Journal