• Age: 7 to 12
• Grade: 7 to 12

Herman loves to entertain his Street Monster pals at Sarah’s Cafe, making their favourite hot beverage – the DOUBLE TROUBLE CHOCOLATE BUBBLE VANILLA TRUFFLE MOCCACHINO with SPRINKLES!

But they soon notice that all is not well with Herman. Spooky sounds coming from the attic have been keeping him up at night, and his drinks aren’t as delicious these days!

Could it be the mythical Attic Monster keeping him up at night? The only way to find out is for Herman and his little pal Carpet to go up to the attic and face their fears!

Paul McAllister is an artist, community organizer, author, and arts activist. When Paul isn't organizing music and arts festivals, writing books, or running Monster House Publishing, you can find him hanging with his three quirky dogs, Panda, Gus and Ruth in their beautiful hometown of Fredericton NB.

Paul McAllister's profile page

Emily Brown, born in 1991, is a New Brunswick artist and illustrator. She is currently working in Toronto's animation industry on the classic children's television show Thomas the Tank Engine. Emily has a Fine Arts degree from St. Thomas University and a post-graduate certificate in 3D animation from Seneca College.

Emily Brown's profile page

• Runner-up, Alice Kitts Memorial Award

McAllister has created sweet and lovable characters in the monster Herman and his friends. The story tells readers about not allowing fear to overcome who you are, and that sometimes it is best to learn the entire story before reacting. Not everything someone hears about another may be the truth. But conquering your fears may be the best truth in itself.

Although the story is about monsters and over- coming fear, the text is neither scary nor intimi- dating for readers. The ‘song’ is told in words easily understood by the youngest of readers.

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