Morris the Mankiest Monster by Giles Andreae and Sarah McIntyre

9/10

It’s years since he last changed his t-shirt
It’s crusty and crawling with ants
His shoes are all slurpy and squelchy inside
And potatoes grow out of his pants

The verse above is probably the tamest and least revolting in the entire book. Morris the Mankiest Monster was turned down by 15 editors, refused by 10 publishers and it has taken 12 years before anybody, in this case David Fickling, was brave enough to publish it.

This is easily the most disgusting picture book I have ever read. I love it, my 3-year-old daughter loves it. My wife and sister-in-law went green about the gills when reading it. We loved that most of all.

Morris lives in a house made of dung, he picks his scabs. Pustules, ear wax, snotty green bogies and warts all make appearances. And yet Morris is a loveable figure and has now usurped the poor old Gruffalo at bedtimes. It seems that the more repulsive the book, the greater the enjoyment.

Morris the Mankiest Monster would make a wonderful present for younger children from the age of 3 and up. Perfect for those looking to give a little something different this Christmas.

Award-winning children’s author Giles Andraea has enjoyed success both in the UK and abroad with his picture books. Giles is also the creator of the Purple Ronnie and Edward Monkton greeting cards and merchandising. He lives in London with his wife and young children.

Sarah McIntyre was born in Seattle. She studied Russian literature and art history before doing a master’s degree in Illustration at Camberwell College of the Arts in London. She loves the thrill of being a perpetual tourist in London, where she has lived since 1999.