For the child who loves thrilling quests and finding courage in the face of the unknown, this book plunges readers into a world of incredible creatures.
A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child loves monsters and fantasy but is hesitant about stories that seem too scary. It is perfect for a child who needs to see a nervous character find their inner courage. The story follows Ben, a timid boy who discovers a travelling carnival is actually a secret organization that protects mythical creatures. When a powerful monster escapes, Ben must team up with a new friend to track it down, facing his fears and a ruthless collector along the way. This thrilling adventure explores themes of bravery, friendship, and looking beyond appearances. It’s an ideal choice for readers ready for a fast-paced fantasy quest that balances suspense with wonder and heart.
The primary sensitive topic is peril. Characters are in danger from the escaped monster and are pursued by a menacing villain. The approach is entirely fantastical and action-oriented, not psychological. There is no death, gore, or other real-world heavy topics. The resolution is hopeful and clearly establishes good triumphing over evil, setting a positive tone for the series.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 9 to 11-year-old who has graduated from simpler chapter books and is ready for a full-length fantasy novel. They are drawn to worlds of magic and monsters but may be intimidated by the darker themes or complexity of series like Percy Jackson. The ideal reader is a child who struggles with some anxiety or shyness and would benefit from seeing a relatable character learn to be brave.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. No specific context is needed. A parent may want to know that while the monsters are a central focus, the tone is one of wonder and protection, not horror. The villain's actions are menacing but not graphically violent. A parent hears their child say, "I love dragons, but I don't want to read anything too scary," or sees them pick up and put down fantasy books in the library, worried about the content. The child is craving adventure but needs a safe entry point.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the fast-paced plot, the cool monster descriptions, and the friendship between Ben and Connie. An older reader (11-12) will also appreciate the world-building, the concept of a conservation-focused secret society, and the theme of protecting the misunderstood.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many monster-centric books that focus on slaying beasts, this story champions a conservationist message. It frames the monsters as endangered creatures needing protection, much like "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" but for a slightly younger, more direct audience. The blend of classic carnival mystique with a secret agent framework feels fresh and exciting.
Read plot summary
Timid Ben Brewer gets a ticket to a mysterious travelling fair, only to discover it's the front for the S.C.R.E.A.M. Team, a secret agency that captures and cares for mythical monsters. When a dangerous manticore escapes and is mistaken for a dragon, Ben and his new friend, a sharp-witted mermaid-girl named Connie, must overcome their own insecurities to track it down. They race against time and a villainous monster collector named Ferdinand, who wants the creature for his private menagerie.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ben starts the book feeling nervous about almost everything. What do you think is the bravest thing he does in the story, and why?
2
The S.C.R.E.A.M. Team's job is to protect monsters from humans, and humans from monsters. Do you think this is a good idea? Why is it important to protect creatures that might seem scary?
3
Connie and Ben have very different personalities, but they become a great team. What strengths did each of them bring to their mission to find the manticore?
4
The villain, Ferdinand, wants to keep all the monsters for his private collection. The carnival wants to care for them. What is the difference between collecting and caring for something?
