Fungus the Bogeyman

Reach for this book when your child is starting to question the 'rules' of the world or feels a bit like an outsider who doesn't fit the typical mold of 'clean and proper.' It is the perfect antidote for a child who finds traditional fairy tales too polished or for those who have a budding interest in the gross, the gritty, and the wonderfully weird. This classic story follows Fungus, a Bogeyman who goes about his nightly job of scaring humans with the same weary dedication your child might see in a local plumber or office worker. Through its detailed, comic-strip style illustrations, the book explores themes of identity, social expectations, and the quiet dignity of a working-class life, albeit one filled with slime and 'mildew juice.' It is best suited for children aged 6 to 11 who appreciate dry humor and sophisticated world-building. Parents choose this book to help children humanize the things they fear and to encourage them to look beneath the surface of appearances to find the relatable heart within.