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Welcome to Monstrovia (Tales of Monstrovia) Paperback – September 6, 2015

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

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Laugh in the wacky world of Monstrovia, where anything can happen!
Unexpected adventure and mayhem await Brodie Adkins in a summer vacation he will forget!

Flying serpents, deadly giants, and lawyers? A zany murder mystery which will make you laugh as you follow the adventures of young Brodie Adkins. When faced with a baffling mystery, Brodie must figure out what happened and learn the laws of the land, all with an ending that will leave you howling for more!

Benjamin Franklin Book Awards Silver Medal Winner

Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal

Royal Palm Literary Awards Winner

"What a novel idea... taking a child's fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, and turn it into a mystery story and vehicle for teaching children about courts, and lawyers and life lessons in the magical world of Monstovia."

"Welcome to Monstrovia's subtitle should be Welcome to a Good Time. It is fun even for a stodgy old adult (Perry Mason pictures) and would be downright riotous for a kid..."

"I have two words for this book: Raucous Mystery. This crazy tale is full of twisted surprises that you'll never imagine."

-Amazon Reviews

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Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review



Reader's Favorite recognizes "Welcome to Monstrovia" in its2016 international book award contest.

The 2016 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contestfeatured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries.

Readers' Favorite has become the fastest growing book reviewand award contest site on the Internet. They have earned the respect ofrenowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "HonoringExcellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are alsofully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Reviewand Book Award Contest companies.

In addition to reviewing for some of the biggest names inthe literary industry, as well as the first time independent author, they hosta respected award contest which features entries from new authors to NYTbest-sellers, as well as celebrities like Jim Carrey and Henry Winkler.

"Readers' Favorite is proud to announce that
Welcome to Monstrovia, by Mark HNewhouse, published by AimHi Press, is a Bronze Medal Winner in the Children -Grade 4th-6th category in our 2016 International Book Award Contest."

KIRKUS REVIEWIn book one of a new fantasy series for middle schoolers, a boy's sour perspective on life changes during an unexpected encounter with giants, dragons, trolls, and other mythical creatures.
Mom is on a prolonged sales trip in China; Dad is deployed to the Middle East; and Brodie Adkins, age 12 and angry about his parents' divorce, has been sent to Key West, Florida, to spend the summer with an uncle he's never met. After Brodie's plane lands, he is whisked away by a troll cabbie to Monstrovia, a "crazy place not on any map of Florida, the United States or the World." Uncle Jasper turns out to be a lawyer famous for defending "Monsters, Fictional Folk, etc." who counts Dracula among his clients and drives a dragon with a bathtub sidecar. Brodie hangs on to his skepticism and keeps his emotional distance until he is caught up in the case of Jack, accused of murdering a giant and stealing certain precious items. Jack's sister insists he's innocent, but it doesn't bode well that the judge and jury are giants. The author deftly weaves these "Jack and the Beanstalk" elements into a parallel world where pixies are pesky reporters, the district attorney is a 14-foot-tall Perry Mason look-alike, the goose with the golden eggs takes the stand, and Jack's missing father and mother become keys to the verdict. As Brodie becomes invested in the outcome, he puts aside his own grievances and fears (although he's still not crazy about the giant spiders), assists his uncle in court, and begins to understand the roots of his own anger and mistrust. That the summer will be a life-changer for the troubled youth isn't hard to predict, but Newhouse (
A Bite Before Christmas, 2016, etc.) goes about it with imagination, humor--often the mild, gross-out kind--and a solid awareness of challenges faced by many young adolescents, while avoiding cloying plot strands. How affirmation and positive reinforcement can effect change may be the unsubtle takeaway here, but the author, a former educator, delivers it with informed empathy and gleeful wit.
An inventive and surprisingly coherent mix of monsters, mystery, courtroom drama, and real-life family dynamics.
"Kirkus Reviews"


Writer's Digest 24th Annual Self-Published Book AwardsStructure, Orgnization, and Pacing: 4 of 5Spelling, punctuation, and Grammar 5Production Quality and Cover Design: 5Plot and Story Appeal: 5Character Appeal and Development: 5Voice and Writing Style: 5Excerpts from the judge:"The short chapters will appeal to reluctant readers." "I especially like the fact that Brodie's job for the summer--although his Uncle Jasper calls him his "Watson"- is actually that of a paralegal, and Brodie gets a good look at how the legal profession can actually be interesting and worthy, despite the bad press lawyers get. " "The conclusion is satisfying, especially the fact that the hidden truths revealed in court help Brodie reassess his own recent events and adjust his attitude. And the budding friendship between Brodie and Emily is handled lightly enough to keep this a middle grade novel. Well done!"

From the Author

WELCOME TO MONSTROVIA was great fun to write. Brodie is trapped in a secret sector of the US where humans are the oddballs. Imagine finding out your uncle is the famous Doofinch the Defender and you must assist him in a baffling case of murder involving a brave, but stubborn teenage girl and a bunch of crazy witnesses and dangerous encounters with monsters, giants and more. I think kids and their parents will get a lot of laughs and surprises as they try to solve this funny mystery.
Laughs and surprises are what I aim for in all my books and WELCOME TO MONSTROVIA, has tons. I like to focus on underdog characters solving mysteries because I want kids to feel they can solve problems. I use humor to help them learn. In WELCOME TO MONSTROVIA, the page-turner adventure introduces fascinating things about law. I loved when one mom reported, "Now I may have a future attorney in the family." So who killed Mr. Bulk? I hope you enjoy the adventures and laughs as you try to solve this mystery. Thanks for your kind support. Please, don't give away the ending!!!

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ AimHi Press (September 6, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0692518959
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0692518953
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.21 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.73 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

About the author

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Mark H. Newhouse
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THE DEVIL'S BOOKKEEPERS won:

Grand Prize Fiction Series and 1st Prize Hemingway Wartime Series --Chanticleer International Book Awards.

1st Prize Historical Fiction -- Eric Hoffer Book Awards (Book 3)

Gold Medal Historical Fiction and Grand Prize Book of the Year-- Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Awards.

!st Prize Fiction Drama--Top Shelf Magazine Book Awards

Silver Medal Historical Fiction President's Award-- Florida Authors & Publishers Association

It has been an amazing journey from a shy, bullied, child to my wonderful career teaching on Long Island (Elementary/Secondary Teacher of the Year --NY State Reading Association). I continue my love of teaching in my writing. The pen, now computer, is my 'magic wand.'

I was born in Germany after my parents were freed from Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Their nightmare inspired THE DEVIL'S BOOKKEEPERS, a suspenseful novel of love and survival in the Holocaust. Readers report it keeps them up at night rooting for the characters. I love the emotional reviews the books and audiobooks are getting. I am excited to be working with a producer on a screenplay. Keep your fingers crossed. The Holocaust is a shadow in my life and my newest book, MY FAMLY SECRET: THE HOLOCAUST (Bronze Medal Young Adult Fiction-Florida Authors and Publishers,) is a mystery where a young boy learns a terrible secret and faces his fears and prejudices. I hope it helps children learn not to hate.

My children's books are inspired by my students, Sherlock Holmes, and my role model, Perry Mason, with a touch of Poe. I add the 'insanity.' In WELCOME TO MONSTROVIA, under development for film, a troubled boy and half-human girl face incredible dangers in a secret sector of the USA where humans are rare. The series won the Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal and Readers Favorites Silver Medal, as well as the Gold Medal from the Florida Writers Association. The award-winning sequels, THE CASE OF THE DISASTROUS DRAGON, THE CASE OF THE CRAZY CHICKENSCRATCHES, and THE CASE OF THE KILLER KNIGHTS, have kids guessing the solutions as they learn about law. I love writing this funny series and am working on THE CASE OF THE CRUEL CYBERBULLIES.

In THE ROCKHOUND SCIENCE MYSTERIES, (LEARNING MAGAZINE Teachers' Choice Award), children solve fantasy cases with experiments like making ice pops. THE MIDNIGHT DIET CLUB (1st Prize YA Fiction-- Florida Writers Association) helps kids with bullying. My picture books, SANTA'S SPEEDING TICKET, ALICE IN BATSYLVANIA, A BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, DREIDEL DOG, and PASSOVER PUPPY COLORING BOOK, include activities that make them family treasures. Sadly, I can't draw, but the artist did a great job.

My favorite fan mail: A young boy wrote,"I love Rockhound. He is my favorite person." The only thing is, Rockhound is a DOG detective. He ended his letter with, "I know all authors are rich, can I swim in your pool?" I don't have a pool, but love sharing my world with him and you. After you enjoy my books, please let me know and add your review. I love hearing from friends.

Thank you,

Mark

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
36 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable for readers of all ages. They appreciate the humor and endearing characters. The story is described as funny, exciting, and full of surprises.

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6 customers mention "Age range"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging for readers of all ages. They describe it as a kid-friendly story with educational courtroom antics. Readers mention that even stodgy adults will enjoy the book.

"...Adult readers will also enjoy the book. The framework of the book is perfectly suited to host a series of future books." Read more

"...be downright riotous for a kid, especially one who is young enough to appreciate monsters, love bean/fart jokes, and admit a liking for nursery rimes..." Read more

"...Kudos to Mark Newhouse for this fascinating ride for readers of any age! :)" Read more

"...Great descriptions and descriptive terms that kids will love. Well done." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the story funny and endearing, with bean and fart jokes. The castle and courthouse scenes are hilarious, as is the disgusting giant Hortensia Bulk. Readers describe the tale as exciting, full of twisted surprises, and araucous mystery.

"...The castle and courthouse scenes are hilarious for all, as is the disgusting giant Hortensia Bulk who may or may not be an abused woman...." Read more

"...is the background for Welcome to Monstrovia, a well-written and fantastical tale written for a pre-teen audience but thoroughly enjoyed by this very..." Read more

"...This crazy tale is full of twisted surprises that you'll never imagine. Preteen Brodie lands in Monstrovia after some trouble at home...." Read more

"...Adult readers will also find the story funny and endearing. Anna Massengill" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
    This book presents an extraordinary level of imagination and creativity. The descriptions and details are highly responsive to the nature of adolescent readers. Adult readers will also enjoy the book. The framework of the book is perfectly suited to host a series of future books.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2017
    Welcome to Monstrovia's subtitle should be Welcome to a Good Time. It is fun even for a stodgy old adult (Perry Mason pictures) and would be downright riotous for a kid, especially one who is young enough to appreciate monsters, love bean/fart jokes, and admit a liking for nursery rimes. Older kids will love the young main characters, the narrator human Brodie and the mythical Jack Beanstalk, both fatherless kids who give their mothers plenty of grief. They will learn without feeling taught what it's like to be a caring lawyer and be delighted with solving the mystery of who killed the giant and stole the goose who laid the golden eggs. The castle and courthouse scenes are hilarious for all, as is the disgusting giant Hortensia Bulk who may or may not be an abused woman. I'm buying this book for my nephews for Christmas.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2017
    Monsters, magical creatures, and Brodie, an angry young boy who is forced to spend time with an uncle whose job it is to defend these odd creatures - this is the background for Welcome to Monstrovia, a well-written and fantastical tale written for a pre-teen audience but thoroughly enjoyed by this very adult reader! In this book, Mr. Newhouse creates a court-room drama wrapped around some well-known fairy tale characters such as Jack and the Beanstalk and the goose who laid the golden eggs. His book addresses issues like divorce, diversity, bullying, and discrimination not by preaching but through the eyes and experiences of a twelve year old boy who unexpectedly ends up in a fantastic and frightening world of monsters.
    I'm looking forward to reading Tales of Monstrovia Book 2.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2015
    I have two words for this book: Raucous Mystery. This crazy tale is full of twisted surprises that you'll never imagine.

    Preteen Brodie lands in Monstrovia after some trouble at home. Right away, he thinks the world has gone made. Strange creatures are everywhere! And his uncle, Doofinch the Defender? Quite the unlikely hero.

    As the case of Brodie's life threatens to scary him away from Monstrovia forever, there are shockers around every turn. And Emily? Don't even get Brodie started on that bratty girl! Crazy! This whole mixed-up world is just getting to be too much for young Brodie to handle.

    Or is it? Is his uncle just as much of a kook as the rest of the Monstrovians? You'll have to read it to find out, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed! Kudos to Mark Newhouse for this fascinating ride for readers of any age! :)
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2017
    Welcome to Monstrovia begins in the middle of the action, and moves with a kinetic energy that mirrors the activity level of a twelve-year-old. Brodie Adkins, the protagonist, is sent to spend the summer with his uncle. Imagine his surprise when he ends up in Monstrovia, a land of mythological creatures and fictional characters. There, he learns life lessons that transform him from a sassy troublemaker to a caring individual.

    Mark Newhouse knows his subject well. He uses dragons, giants, a pixilated lawyer, and even a girl to bring about this transformation. Parents of reluctant readers and teachers searching for supplementary reading material for this age student should look no further. Adult readers will also find the story funny and endearing.

    Anna Massengill
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2018
    Who is Perry Mason? Young Brodie discovers the mystery and learns about how the legal systems works in the mythical land of Monstrovia. Brodie helps his uncle defend Jack Beanstalk for the murder of the giant. Ah yes, there is a surprise ending.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2017
    What a novel idea... taking a child's fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, and turn it into a mystery story and vehicle for teaching children about courts, and lawyers and life lessons in the magical world of Monstovia. Great descriptions and descriptive terms that kids will love. Well done.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2017
    Join Brodie, a young, unassuming super sleuth in his quest to unravel a mysterious murder in the land of Monstrovia.