Smitten

A parent might reach for this book when their child feels clumsy or awkward expressing big feelings, especially affection. This humorous tale follows a lonely monster who is smitten with a princess. His attempts to woo her with his favorite things, like a rusty can and a dead fish, fall comically flat. Feeling rejected, he eventually discovers another monster who appreciates his unique gifts and strange sincerity. It’s a gentle, funny story about finding belonging, understanding that different people value different things, and learning that there's someone for everyone. Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids, it opens a conversation about expressing love in one's own way.