Listed as a 2016 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children’s Book Council
Midwest Book Award Winner for Children's Picture Books
Foreword Review's IndieFab Book of the Year Award Finalist in Children's: Picture Books
The Monster & Me™ series is a 2015 Silver Moonbeam Children's Book Award winner for Best Picture Book Series
"Playful rhyming text and comically overblown rhetoric (oratory skills, platform, grassroots movement) combined with colorful digital illustrations exemplify the intricacies of being a candidate and the importance of the democratic process. The extra bonus is that after a couple of missteps, Monster hits his stride by campaigning to save libraries. VERDICT A good introduction to what happens on a campaign, how voting for a president works, and the dynamics of civic engagement."—School Library Journal
"Monster has the best platform EVER in this furry fun first look at elections! (He had me at 'desserts'—then it got even better!) Monster Needs Your Vote has mine!"—Ame Dyckman, New York Times bestselling author of Wolfie the Bunny
"Part of the delightful 'Monster Needs' rhyming picturebook series about a young boy and his friendly, blue-furred monster pal, Monster Needs Your Vote touches on the complex world of politics! ... Monster is still too young to run for president, but he learns about the importance of getting out one's message and making a difference in the community. As with the entire series, the distinctive color artwork makes Monster Needs Your Vote come alive. Highly recommended!"—Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch
“With large, easy to read text, Monster Needs Your Vote delivers a terrific message for a young audience: Education is worth standing up for––and that’s a platform we should all support!” —The Children's Writer's Guild
"...the perfect book about politics and moral causes. Czajak weaves an encouraging and fun tale that will teach children about the voting process and the importance of making their voice heard."—Examiner.com
"...a great read and timely; a perfect, nonpartisan way to introduce concepts of democracy and elections to young readers. It also serves as a powerful reminder that there are things worth fighting for, and literacy is definitely one of them. The rhyming story and the engaging illustrations are sure to catch the eye of any young patriot, and Monster is probably the most appealing candidate out there."—The Children's Book Review
"The lovable blue monster is back ... A fun story about encouraging kids to stand up for what they believe in."—KidsBookshelf
"The Monster Needs Your Vote story taught me more about the voting and election process in America. ... I would definitely tell my friends to read this book, I will even let them borrow mine. It’s that good!!!"—Kids' BookBuzz; Ben, age 4
"...cast your ballot for this really great book! Before the next election, gear up your child, get them involved and interested in politics, ask them what they would do if they were President, and hear what they have to say in return!!"—Diapers & Daydreams
"Paul Czajak’s prose is witty, age-appropriate, and written in a thoughtful and precise rhyme that reminds readers just how pleasing rhyming words can be. Plus, artist Wendy Grieb’s illustrations are quite generous, with their deep, rich colors, eye-popping-ly precise details, and cuddly facial expressions. If the Monster & Me books are not already an early elementary favorite, they will be soon enough, because it’s obvious that monsters make the very best friends."—Picture Book Depot
"...the book's message is clear that it's not about winning a campaign or contest, but rather what's most important is getting the message out. Now that's something we can all be encouraging with our students and our readers, isn't it? The message that their (our) ideas have weight, have value, and these ideas matter in helping to shape our world."—The Busy Librarian
"This timely, informative and fun book will help spur interest in a very important part of our government—the presidential election. Paul Czajak has written the story in an easy, flowing, rhyming verse, so it is an enjoyable read-aloud for all ages."—Mentor Text Central
"...a great look at politics and making a difference in your community within a fun story with enjoyable characters. Monster is a little bit like Elephant in the Elephant and Piggie books. He gets so excited and wants to just go, go, go. The Boy is a bit more like Piggie. He reins Monster in. It is a great relationship! Then you add the fun story and the movie-like, colorful illustrations, and you have a book that kids, parents, and teachers are going to enjoy."—Unleashing Readers
"It's both sad and ironic that books featuring a monster and a duck as candidates may offer more legitimate discussions of democracy than actual campaign media. … Kids who have met Monster in earlier titles will welcome this one, and those who meet him for the first time here will want to read about his other adventures."—Unpacking the Power of Picture Books
"Monster’s focus on education and literacy makes this a great classroom and library read-aloud. Never talking down to the youngest of readers, Czajak Grieb use rhyme and adorable, kid-friendly illustration in eye-catching, bright colors to talk to kids."—Mom Read It
"Paul Czajak’s newest Monster & Me picture book is perfect for the upcoming elections. Though written for preschool children, older kids will enjoy Monster’s political career while learning the basics of U. S. Elections. This means Czajak often used an election-related higher vocabulary: cast, platform, issues, oratory, grassroots, and mission to name a few. Grab a dictionary kids—one you must flip through to find a word—it’s time to expand your vocabulary. ... Czajak and Grieb are the perfect collaborators for Monster & Me."—Kid Lit Reviews
"...a great way to introduce young readers to democracy and campaigning for what is right. What child wouldn’t want to vote for a monster president? Monster’s innocent playfulness and sincere conviction will win kids over and even help them understand the basic politics of campaigning."—Carrie On
"For parents trying to raise politically conscious kiddos, this is a timely must-read! Explaining politics and government is complicated, so complicated that many adults are baffled by it. Monster breaks it down by issues, asking kids: What is important to you? How do you get people to care, too? What can you do to help? This makes abstract concepts like democracy and campaigning more concrete and actionable. ... Monster is a role model, proving that you don’t need to be grown-up or have any special qualifications to make a difference. Passion and persistence, Monster shows us, can take us far!"—Baby Bookish
"In case you're not yet familiar with these books, run to your favorite store or library and snag a copy of any or all of the 'Monster Needs...' books and start enjoying. The Monster Needs Your Vote story will help parents and teachers teach young readers about the voting and election process here in America."—Chat with Vera
"Monster Needs Your Vote is an absolutely adorable book that will help get kids thinking about elections and politics in an encouraging and nonpartisan way. And you can bet that Monster will have some fun along the way!"—The Simple Moms
"The colorful, appealing illustrations have many crowd scenes that evidence diversity, which is refreshing. There is a bicyclist wearing a helmet! Books about the election process are always in demand with elementary teachers, and this would be a fun way to introduce younger readers to politics and why people get involved."—Ms. Yingling Reads
"Fun, entertaining, rhyming picture book sure to entertain, educate and enrich children’s learning experiences. ... I thought that it would be fun to share this book before a class representative election. After reading the book, you could lead a discussion on what students care about, what they would want to take a stand to speak up about. This book would be quite good also when introducing the concept of taking action with a group of students."—The Styling Librarian
"Monster Needs Your Vote has a very grounded approach to the subject of politics for children ... What follows is more a lesson on grass roots politics and how the passions of an individual can make a difference in their community."—Picture Books Review
Reviews for the Monster & Me™ Series
Monster Needs a Party:
"This book is a party! It is fun, imaginative, and playful. It is also a treasure. The very best kind ... a brilliant book that kids will love and want to reread again and again."—Ben Clanton, author of Mo's Mustache
Monster Needs a Christmas Tree:
"Sendakesque ... The cute finale brings to mind Charlie Brown ... As before, Czajak and Grieb make Monster's perpetual overexcitement palpable and identifiable."—Booklist
"...providing children with a valuable lesson in persistence and determination. ... The Monster & Me series is going strong and, from all indications, has a long life ahead of it."—Foreword Reviews, 5 Star Review
Monster Needs His Sleep:
“Czajak and Grieb pair up once again for a hilarious take on the many creative ways a monster attempts to avoid bedtime. …Sure to be a welcome choice for the going-to-bed time that never seems to end.” —Kirkus Reviews
"Featuring an endearing character children will adore, this imaginative book will be hard to put down...even at bedtime!" — Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, author of Pirate Princess and Chicks Run Wild
Monster Needs a Costume:
"...Given the jaunty flow of the story and the humorous details on every page, put this at the top of the list for unscary options come October." —Kirkus Reviews
"The rhymes, quite obviously, are bouncy and irreverent, and just as much heck is raised by Grieb’s cartoony illustrations of the enormous, blue, horned beast with the happy underbite..." —Booklist
