KEYNOTE: Are monsters real if you tell them you don't believe in them? A boy walks through a forest full of snakes and wolves and bears, but this boy isn't afraid because he knows they'll stay out of his way. The scary monster in this forest won't stay out of his way, though. He pops out at the boy and growls! But the brave boy just keeps walking along because he doesn't believe in monsters. This sets the monster to begging and begging for the boy to believe in him, even just a smidge. Will the boy ever agree? This unusual monster story, with thrills and fangs and growls, shows that a little confidence and a lot of courage can shrink fears to a size that might even be a little cuddly. AUTHOR C. K. WILLIAMS is an acclaimed poet and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. ILLUSTRATOR Gabi Swiatkowska, a winner of the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, has illustrated many beautiful books for children, including My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits . She lives in France. AGES 3-7 GRADES: Preschool - 2