Coming September 15, 2026
Lila Makes a Monster

It's a rainy day, and Lila is bored. Then she gets an idea: she can build a monster friend!

She uses bits and pieces she's collected, like bolts and hinges and coils and--eureka!--with a bolt of lightning, he comes to life. Soon Lila and Monster are bouncing on the bed, making sticky slime and munching on cereal straight from the box.

But when Monster accidentally makes a big mess, Dad comes running, and he can't help but be alarmed. Lila realizes it might be time to send Monster packing. Still, there couldn't be any harm in leaving her window open a crack. And perhaps she could save some of her sandwich...just in case a friend drops by.

Praise for Laurie Elmquist:

★ "Dreamy artwork and verse reassure readers who are headed to bed...Enchanting, engaging, and restful." --Publishers Weekly, starred review for Beach Baby

★ "While the spare text is developmentally perfect for children, the illustrations elevate this offering with entrancing collages in a vivid palette. A first purchase for all libraries."--School Library Journal, starred review for City Baby