Author: Stphane Servant

A gorgeously illustrated middle grade novel / graphic novel hybrid, set in a deliciously gothic world of monsters

“An intriguing atmosphere, where the strange and familiar mingle… The power of the story and illustrations give wings to the reader’s imagination” — Tlrama

It all starts when a fascinating travelling circus arrives in a small, peaceful village…

The townspeople, eager for excitement, are abuzz with curiosity about the mysterious circus that is rumoured to feature a terrifying monster. That evening, Otto, the narrator, takes his place among the eager crowd inside the dimly lit circus tent. The air crackles with anticipation, and as the curtains slowly part, the audience gasps–but not for the reason they expected.

The so-called “monster” on stage is, in fact, a human child. Meanwhile, the onlookers in the crowd are actually monsters–both terrifying and grotesque! Otto, whose face is finally revealed, is also a hairy monster. Little by little, Otto and the human child get to know each other, and change the way they both look at the world.

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Published: 06/02/2026
Pages: 112
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.08oz
ISBN: 9781782695547

About the Author
Stphane Servant is a prizewinning author of novels and graphic novels for children. He lives near Carcassonne, in the south of France. Monsters won France’s foremost children’s literature award, the Prix Sorcires.

Nicolas Zouliamis is an award-winning Belgian illustrator of children’s books, whose fantastical style recalls the worlds of Lewis Carroll and Tim Burton.