The Gingerbread Monster

by Dan Gemeinhart, Hugo L. Cuellar (Illustrator)

Overview

"A perfect blend of spooky and sweet! A great read-aloud experience for both kids and grown-ups alike." ―Pete Oswald, #1 New York Times–bestselling illustrator of The Good Egg and The Bad Seed

For fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Dan Gemeinhart's spooky picture book is about a Gingerbread Man creation come to life with a fright—yet even monsters long for a friend. Perfect for fans of Creepy Carrots!, The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School, and Tim Burton.

Includes a recipe at the end to bake your own Gingerbread Monster!

In his laboratory high on the hill, Frank N. Stine has a ferocious sweet tooth that snarls to be fed. But when an eerie experiment spills into his Gingerbread batter, a frightening cookie creation comes to life! The Gingerbread Monster is hulking, horrific . . . and hungry. But as Frank is chased by his creepy creation, the young baker begins to wonder what the Monster truly craves. After all, there’s no sweeter treat than friendship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250892256
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	07/08/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Dan Gemeinhart is the # 1 New York Times-bestselling author of the novels The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, Coyote Lost and Found, The Midnight Children, The Honest Truth, Some Kind of Courage, Scar Island, and Good Dog, as well as the picture book, Once Upon a Friend, illustrated by ShinYeon Moon. A former elementary teacher-librarian and lifelong reader, he lives with his wife and three daughters in a small town in Washington state.

Hugo L. Cuellar is a British Bolivian production artist, illustrator and animator. He has several years of experience working in the children's entertainment industry. The Gingerbread Monster is his first picture book.

Editorial Reviews

"A deliciously fun adventure with vibrant charm and a perfect blend of spooky and sweet! The playful rhythm of the text ensures a great read-aloud experience for both kids and grown-ups alike." ―Pete Oswald, #1 New York Times–bestselling illustrator of The Good Egg and The Bad Seed

" This spookily delicious read with a sweetly satisfying twist is sure to delight." ―Kirkus Reviews

"This clever and silly retelling of a classic tale delivers laugh-out-loud fun." ―SLJ

"Classic monster movie vibes." ―Publishers Weekly

"Marvelously madcap mischief with a sweet center." ―Booklist

From the Publisher

2025-03-08
A ferocious craving for a tasty treat leads to unlikely friendship.

Young scientist Frank N. Stine longs for something sweet, but his favorite gingerbread mix is almost out. Being the ultimate innovator, Frank concocts a new mix in his laboratory, but in his haste, he accidentally knocks the contents of a nearby test tube into his batter. The result is a gingerbread man who smells delicious but looks terrifying. Frank runs from the hideous creation, who’s struggling to speak to him (“Frrr Frrr Frrruh”). Villagers and paranormal creatures alike join the chase, wanting a bite of the scrumptious beast. Frank finally understands the monster’s word in the nick of time, depriving the village of a feast but gaining the gift of friendship. This spooky, humorous story is told in snappy rhyme, accompanied by chaotic, Tim Burton–esque illustrations that set an eerie tone while portraying endearing characters who will charm rather than scare readers. Though the adventures of this monstrous cookie will elicit giggles, it will also open up conversations about acceptance and looking beyond first impressions. An appended gingerbread recipe, complete with “ideas to monsterfy the cookie,” is the cherry on top of an already captivating picture book. Frank is light-skinned; other human characters vary in skin tone.

This spookily delicious read with a sweetly satisfying twist is sure to delight.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews