Despite the creepy bug-eyed cover, Love Monster by Rachel Bright (HarperCollins; €8.35) is the story of an ugly monster, unloved and the butt of children’s jibes.

LUCKY Little Mouse! by AH Benjamin (Little Tiger; €5.92 HB) follows a Mouse as he makes his way homeward unaware of the hidden, lip-smacking, hungry predators that lie in wait.