Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. In the new picture book, Smarter Than a Monster, New York Times best-selling author Brandon Mull uses humor and a fantastical imagination to uncover the truth about monsters while guiding young readers to good habits that can last a lifetime. Paired with whimsical monster illustrations, Mull’s text explains how knowing Monster Facts can help kids outwit them. Want to avoid monsters? Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time. And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster. Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean.

Outsmarting a monster is easy when kids learn secret monster strategies, like why it’s better to sleep in their own bed when they feel afraid. Fact: Monsters are clever predators who hide under parents’ beds where nobody ever thinks to check. Moreover, monsters leave kids alone when they are in their own beds.

There is, of course, a time when being with monsters can be perfectly safe: Halloween. Dressing up like a monster is a good form of camouflage. Monsters think Halloween is a big parade in their honor, so mix it up with the monsters and enjoy the day!

From playtime to bedtime, Brandon Mull will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits.