I wasn't able to read it before my download expired, so I'm actually reviewing the digital version of the final book that I borrowed from my local library.

I really enjoyed this book, but it has some seriously dark and creepy scenes. I can see the hesitation of other reviewers in how the dad's depression is addressed, but although Anna (sister of the main character, Clark) calls it depression, within the story I really felt like it was made out to be caused by the monster in the house. Anyway, I think the take on monsters under the bed/in the closet/etc. is a little different, and the rankings and powers attributed to both monsters and stuffies will appeal to kids who are engaged in games like Pokemon.

It's refreshing to read such a fun, action-packed children's chapter book with a ton of kid-appeal. There are so many good middle grade books out there, but a lot of them are really sad. Kids (and adults like me who read a lot of kid books) need a reprieve every once in a while, which is where Stuffed comes in. Sure, there are some heavy elements to the story (Clark's dad's happiness is literally being sucked out of him by invisible monsters and his grandma has cancer), but there are also creepy basements and stuffed animal battles and directions to make your own stuffie. I can even see kids who are a little past the stuffed animal phase enjoying this...and maybe taking their old teddy bear out of the closet.

Do you believe that there are monsters under your bed? Hiding in the closet? In the darkest corners of your room? Clark definitely does!! This is why he arranges his stuffed animals all around him, facing out toward the room, to protect him from the evil while he sleeps. Clark knows that there is something dark and evil living in his house. His dad is getting sicker and weaker every day. Small pinprick holes are appearing all over his body, blood crusted over them. No one will believe Clark when he says he needs his stuffed animals to protect them. He thinks his sister Anna, even though she is seventeen, believes a little because she has her frightening vampire dolls to protect her. Every time Clark tries to hid a stuffed animal in his parents room to protect them, his mom picks it up and throws it back in his room. The other problem is that his mom thinks that he is too old to play with stuffed animals. After all, he is eleven and needs to move on to older things. So when his mom confiscates all of his stuffed animals while he is away at camp, it is up to his newest stuffed animal, Foon, to save the day. Foon was made by his grandmother and given to him just before he left for camp. Now, all stuffed animals have points for how fierce they are. Foon has several points - for his sharp teeth, his horns, and his spear that he carries. He even gets bonus points for being made by a loved one. But will this be enough to defeat the dark King Derker that is controlling the house? Can Foon make it from Clarks room, down the hall, down the stairs, through the kitchen, and to the basement without being shredded? Will Foon be able to rescue all the other stuffies or will he have to face King Derker alone? For anyone who has ever believed in the monsters that come out at night or has had a love for a stuffed toy... this is the book for you!!! Do not miss this story of fierce loyalty, fearless courage, and the undying love of family and friends!

Stuffed Is a story that I have been needing for a while now. It makes you go back to your childhood and remember the love you had for your stuffed toys! I wanted to cheer for Clark and his braveness and boo his mom when she continually tried to get rid of his toys. I loved the way Liz Braswell gave human qualities to the stuffed toys and my heart broke when they suffered harm but then she stitched my heart back together again! This story has so much humor, love, devotion, courage, and bravery in it. She also teaches you how to create your own stuffy. I loved everything about this story and I can not wait to book talk it to my kids at school. I know it will fly off the shelf!!!!

I read this book with my 9 year old son and we both loved it. The story drew you in from the beginning and kept a hold of us the whole time. Fantasy with a tiny bit of scary it was perfect for my son!

I absolutely loved this book. I was sucked in from the beginning but was still surprised at where the book went. At first, I just thought it was so sweet and I loved how much this kid loved his stuffys. It definitely had some creepy elements that were awesome. I think fans of Toy Story would love this book because it has similar elements, but I think it’s better than Toy Story personally.

This book was adorable!! Students in my elementary school will LOVE this one. Then they will tell their friends and there will be a huge holds list. I can see it already. This book was fun, completely goofy in a good, fantasy way and totally unique. I loved Foon and kind of want to make my own stuffy right now (yes, I,m 49 so don't tell anyone I said that). This book is a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait to purchase this one! Reluctant readers will love this as well.

This book was received as an ARC from Disney Book Group - Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was not sure what to make of this book when I first hears about it because it is Disney-Hyperion and on the cover was a picture of a really cute stuffed monster. But, when I read the book, I knew I was in for a big shocker. I am a huge fan of stories that bring to life toys such as all the Toy Story movies but I loved how this one focused solely on stuffed animals. Clark has a passion and his passion is way too young for him causing chaos in his life including the capturing and endangerment of his father. It's up to his stuffed animals to save him including his new sock toy that his grandma made for him so it has that special family touch that is needed to save Clark's father. This book is a great example of how special simple toys such as stuffed animals can be in someone's life because of the memories they hold and the places in our hearts they hold too no matter what your age is.

We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.