My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast
by Zoje Stage
Internationally bestselling author of Baby Teeth and the sequel, Dear Hanna
Fast Facts: My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast
Written with readers 7-10 (grades 2-5) in mind, but designed to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
First depicted in the bestselling novel for adults, Baby Teeth, by Zoje Stage.
Launching December 3 from Bad Hand Books.
Contains dozens of colorful illustrations from artist J.E. Larson, along with a glossary to encourage vocabulary building for young readers.
“This book is my Scholastic Book Fair fantasy made real! A dark whimsical delight for all ages. I’ll shelve it next to Gaiman’s Coraline.”
“In My UnderSlumberBumblebeast, Zoje Stage expertly weaves a tale of a child who embraces what would scare other children—be it the creature under the bed or the monster in the basement. With Shades of Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman storytelling, and illustrations evoking Edward Gorey’s style, My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast unfolds as a slightly eerie narrative sure to captivate and intrigue young readers and their parents.”
“A lovely, whimsical tale for younger middle grade readers, My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast is also a perfect bedtime read-aloud for smaller children who want a “big kid” story. ”
Synopsis
Nine-year-old Pru has many hobbies: inventing things, collecting stuff, and learning new and interesting words.
But her newest passion is discovering the source of the weird sounds she hears at night—coming from beneath her bed. Ever since she was very little, Pru suspected there might be a special kind of creature making a home in her room. But because UnderSlumberBumbleBeasts only come out in the dark, she had never seen one.
That all changes one day after Pru's mom asks her to clean her room—an ordinary request that sets off an extraordinary chain of events. And Pru's life will never be the same.
First depicted in the international sensation Baby Teeth, a novel for adults, My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast is a quirky and charming story about a girl with a most unusual way of making new friends. Watch what grows underneath the bed…
Q&A With Author Zoje Stage
Why did you decide to turn My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast—first featured in Baby Teeth—into a real book?
My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast actually predates Baby Teeth! I'd wanted to give the child character of that novel, Hanna, a favorite book—something her dad would read with her. After considering copyright issues, it became obvious that I needed to use something of my own, and I had a short story that seemed perfect. And then after Baby Teeth was published I had a lot of readers ask me if My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast was an actual book. I've been trying to get it published since 2017.
What was the inspiration for the initial short story?
I was experimenting with short fiction at the time, and wanted to try writing something for kids. I remembered being afraid of the dark as a child—afraid of what was behind the closet door. And to this day I'm very alert to every odd sound I hear in the house. I thought it would be fun to reimagine the "monsters" lurking in the dark, and make them something unexpected—misunderstoodperhaps, but friendly!
Is My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast intended for adults who've read Baby Teeth and/or Dear Hanna, or kids?
I'd say it's intended for all ages. I think adult readers of Baby Teeth and Dear Hanna will get a kick out of seeing this book in real life. But I also feel like it fills an important gap for young readers who are beyond picture books, but still enjoy a book with illustrations. I talked to several librarians about this a few years ago, and they were really wishing there were more illustrated books for seven- to ten-year-olds. Chapter books are great, but who doesn't enjoy some cool pictures?
Some of the illustrations are like a visual treasure hunt of classic toys—how did that come about?
Artist J.E. Larson was so dedicated to the creative details in this book. Early on, we had Zoom meetings with publisher Doug Murano, and in every meeting the three of us ended up reminiscing about the toys we remembered from when we were kids. We collectively wanted there to be toys from many different decades represented in the book, so readers of all ages could spot things they'd once played with.
Were all of the illustrations hand-drawn?
Yes! They were sketched first, then inked, then painted. 100% hand-created. (Bad Hand Books is committed to never using AI.)
Here’s just a glimpse of the dozens of illustrations you’ll find in My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast. All images created by J.E. Larson.
Listen to “Forest Creatures” by Treehouse Empire—the companion song of My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast, which is being used in all digital video promotions and will be offered as a digital download to everyone who orders the limited hardcover gift package.