Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I truly enjoyed this book. I am not a big horror fan, but my students love it. This book encompassed much more than just the "scary monster" aspect, and dealt with found family, acceptance, and love. I loved this read, and will recommend it to my students.

This is an interesting read that gives you The Addams Family and The Problim Children wrapped up in one. The minute you start reading you will not want to put it down. Fast paced and well written.

The Monsters of Rookhaven was such a fun, quirky read. I was absolutely hooked by this fantasy story for middle grade readers.
I read this book as an adult but I would have loved it as a kid. It had the vibes of so many of my favorite books and movies growing up. If I were to describe Monsters by referencing other forms of media I've enjoyed, it's part Eva Ibbotson children's novel, part Tim Burton film, part Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends all while still being very much its own thing. The descriptions were wonderful - "his voice moist and bubbling" really struck me. And I loved the characters, from the detailed and unique descriptions of Piglet to Jem, who is a total badass. This book has a great message of emotional vulnerability defeating hatred. "Good was done by the act of resistance, as futile as it might have been." This was a true 5 star read for me.
*will be on my blog in 2022

For fans of the Addams Family, this book will definitely be a good recommendation! The idea of a family of monsters living in wobbly peace with humans is something I've always loved (Addams Family, Munsters, Hotel Transylvania). It also reminded me of Miss Peregrine, so I think fans of that series will be interested in the Monsters of Rookhaven. I think there are many juvenile and middle grade readers that will greatly enjoy this book! Growing up, I wish I had this book to sate my creepy reading fixes!

I loved this middle grade book! It’s got monsters, magic, and death, but it also includes found families, friendship, and love. It provides very sweet messages like not judging people by their looks and how to deal with grief and that one doesn’t go it alone. For fans of books like The Graveyard Book, The Golden Compass, and A Wrinkle in Time.

4.5. I appreciate middle-grade writers who don't shy away from some of the more horrific elements of fantasy. This would be great for kids reading at the grade 6-8 reading level who want something that will challenge, excite, and scare them--I was definitely creeped out and horrified (in a good way) for much of this book.

Kenny has a lush way of writing his characters and his settings, so pick this up if you're looking for something like that. This is also another read that would be perfect for Spooky Season!

The Monsters of Rookhaven is a multi layered tale of good versus evil. The story includes orphans, monsters, strong females, murderous plants, and mob mentality, yet leaves room for the reader’s imagination to envision what ‘monster’ really means. There are losses in the book which makes the gains all the more meaningful. 4.5 stars!

Jem and Tom are escaping from an evil uncle. When their car breaks down on a dark road in the woods, they are beset by monsters! Fleeing the monsters they run deeper into the forest, and climb through an odd apparition, after which the monsters no longer pursue them. They follow a path to Rookhaven house, where Mirabelle gives them a sympathetic welcome. Those who also share the house with Mirabelle are not so welcoming, and scold her about the dangers of 'outsiders'. Jem and Tom promise to work for their keep if they can stay, and Mirabelle gives them a house tour. They begin to discover more and more fantastical things about the house, its rooms, and its inhabitants. Through happenstance, they also begin to understand the agreement between the residents of Rookhaven House and the Town of Rookhaven; the residents will keep to themselves, as long as the townspeople meet their needs. This seems satisfactory to everyone, until the veil surrounding the house begins to unravel. We experience the unraveling of the veil and the ensuing story through Tom and particularly Jem's eyes, as her friendship with Mirabelle deepens and her fear of the realities of Rookhaven grows. Suspenseful, spine-tingling, and a thoughtful study of accommodating those not like ourselves.

Themes of fantasy/mystical are apparent and really draw you in. One really begins to side with Mirabelle and how she lives, and what she longs to discover. Added in the storyline of Jem and Tom, and it becomes a well rounded plot, where once you think you know what's happening...you really don't.

Who cares what Mirabelle is? Or how Jem and Tom got to Rookhaven? This is a great, fun book that references The Addams Family (or The Munsters) but gives a slightly more behind-the-scenes look at life in That House. And just what <i>is</i> Piglet (I had my suspicions, but it's never clarified). There probably won't be more, but I would gladly read it.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

Look, this is a really well written book but it was just too creepy for me! I have no doubt it will enjoy widespread fame and even end up on some award short lists, but it was just not my thing.

Middle grade Gothic Fairytale? Yes, Yes, YES. This novel was so fun to read, if only because the middle graders need more horror and spooky reads. I did not expect the illustrations to provide so much extra ambiance. This is a perfect blend of Gothic and fun.

Mirabelle and her Family are all monsters and must be kept veiled from the humans who live in their midst, until one day two children wander into Rookhaven and then the question of what makes a monster is brought to the forefront. I loved this book and will be handing it to as many readers as I can!

A complex story for the age group, about a monstrous but loving family and its dealings with the outside world. The "monsters" are in a way a reflection of the town in which they are hidden—the townspeople see their own fears in the family living in Rookhaven, but also their own humanity. A diabolical enemy working to stoke bad feeling in the town, for its own nefarious purposes, adds excitement to the tale. The ending is wrapped up a little too neatly and sweetly, but it's a very good story.

Super unique concept! Loved all the weird "talents" and traits of the characters. However, felt there may have been too many characters and struggled to keep them straight. Overall has Miss Peregrine meets Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends vibes.

Just a lovely book with a wonderful premise! It was a a wonderful read, and good for any child who loves fantasy with just a drop of "horror" from the monsters. The combination of Padraig Kenny's writing and Edward Bettison's beautiful illustrations created such a dreamy atmosphere in a well-written universe.

The Monsters of Rookhaven hits the sweet spot on a couple of highly desirable but "hard-to-achieve" areas children's literature. I am always looking for a book that stretches a child's vocabulary but also provides enough context to prevent frustration. Another area this book excels in is the descriptive language, particularly the wide range of sensory words and concepts. I think this book will be a good addition to the library and one I would recommend to children who are fans of magical realism or fantasy.