September, 2025

Do you remember the first book you bought at the beginning of your writing journey?

This was mine!

Billy Monster’s Daymare by Alan Durant, Illustrator by Ross Collins, Tiger Tales Publisher, 2007.

This fun, spooky story flips things around—it’s about a little monster who’s afraid of children! Billy Monster has scary daymares of kids popping up everywhere. Daddy Monster is there to help, peeking under the bed, behind the curtains, and inside the cupboards, gently explaining that children aren’t real—they’re just make-believe. By the end, Billy learns a surprising secret: if children were real, they might be just as scared of monsters! 

I love this book. It’s been on my bookshelf for years, and I still reread it often because it makes me laugh. This silly, sweet story helps kids (and adults) giggle at their own fears and realize that sometimes things aren’t always so scary at all. 

I’m giving away one free copy! Yes—I found one. Send a message to my contacts page at leslieevatayloe.com, by Saturday morning, 6:00am, EST, to enter giveaway. U.S. residents only. 

AUGUST GIVEAWAY WINNER was Kent McGroaty from New Jersey! He won a copy of Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall. 

Best, Leslie