This month, MONSTER OF THE MONTH illustrator, Jon Holder, took some advice from the Children’s Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook and spent some time with his target audience. Jon took his work-in-progress to three UK schools and read it aloud to hundreds of primary school children aged eight and up.

Jon said, ‘To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I read the book with as much enthusiasm as I had in me. I performed actions, occasionally went off road to ask and answer questions and, of course, gave characters ludicrous voices.’

At the end of the readings, the children were given the chance to design their very own monsters with Jon’s help. This activity was Jon’s favourite part of the visits: ‘Never underestimate the imaginations of children – they are truly unique and often terrifying places and some magnificent creatures emerged as a result. Despite being asked some slightly bizarre questions (“How did you grow your beard?”, “Can we draw this monster sitting on the toilet?” and “Will you share your lunch with me?”) I found the whole day massively rewarding and I’m currently taking steps to arrange some more school visits.’

Bearing in mind what Jon has told us about the amazing imaginations of children, it is our pleasure to give you an insight and introduce…

Fish Fairy

 Ginormous Dragon

Gooey Face

Mr Muzzlejunk

Don’t miss out on your chance to win your own personalised monster this month.

Send a description and/or photograph of your monster to clare@darleyanderson.com and Jon Holder might just bring it to life for you (with terrifying results).