THE MONSTORE is still two years away from release, but today I have the OK to share with you initial character sketches by the brilliant illustrator James Burks!
The main character of the story is Zack, who wants to buy a monster to scare his pesky little sister Gracie. (Isn’t she sweet? How could she possibly be pesky?) Three of the main monsters are Manfred, Mookie and Mojo…and of course, there’s the proprietor of the shop–the Monstore Manager. I wonder if Danny DeVito would like to play him in the movie version? (Yes, one can dream.)
I hope you enjoy these illustrations!
Copyright 2011, James Burks
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
29 comments
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July 12, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Linda Andersen
Tara,
I’m so happy for you. What an exciting sneak preview! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing.
Linda A.
July 12, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Anna Staniszewski
These are so great! Thanks for sharing! (Even if it is a total tease.)
July 12, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Tara
LOL! Sorry, Anna!
July 12, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Tara
Thanks, Linda. It is very exciting to see your creations come to life!
July 12, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Diandra Mae
FUN! I love sneak peeks! I think Manfred is my favorite.He reminds me of the WB monster that chased Bugs around. 😉
July 12, 2011 at 1:07 pm
M. G. King
Tara, these illustrations are adorable! Love the toothy four-armed guy. Just might have to go shopping in your Monstore.
July 12, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Tara
I think I like Mojo best…but they’re all my “babies”…I have to love them all equally! LOL!
July 12, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Jodi
Very cute, the characters show a lot of expression in the illustrations. I love it.
Good luck with everything
Jodi
July 12, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Corey
Love, love, love! Can’t believe you are allowed to sneak peek yours (and i am not even allowed to see mine!)
July 12, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Tricia
Can’t wait! The characters look wonderful!
July 12, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Ishta Mercurio
Those illustrations are fabulous! You must be thrilled. And yes, wouldn’t it be amazing to have a book be turned into a movie with an all-star cast? I’m dreaming right along with you…
July 12, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Tara
Too bad I can’t have a young Elijah Wood play Zack…sigh…
July 12, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Ame Dyckman
AWESOME! I dig Manfred the best. You’re right, Tara–the Manager could TOTALLY be played by Danny DeVito! Thanks to you and James for sharing. It’s going to be a GREAT book! WOO-HOO!
July 12, 2011 at 3:25 pm
AZ
Awesome! They look great!!! Lots of personality…
July 12, 2011 at 4:10 pm
beckylevine
OMG. Those are incredible!
July 12, 2011 at 4:30 pm
tammi sauer
Dude, I loooove them! 🙂 Congratulations.
July 12, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Darshana
Love the pictures! Congratulations!
July 12, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Kelly H-Y
Those are AWESOME! You must have been thrilled beyond belief when you got hold of them! The Monstore Manager TOTALLY looks like Danny DeVito … he’ll work perfectly WHEN it’s made into a movie! 🙂 CONGRATS again!!!
July 12, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Jean Reidy
Love these, Tara! Just as I pictured them.
July 12, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Becky
These are way too cute!
July 12, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Sharon Mayhew
They are wonderful, Tara!
July 13, 2011 at 3:56 am
Julie
OMG those are fabulous! How excited are you?? I don’t see how Danny DeVito could turn the role down!
July 13, 2011 at 6:03 am
Gail
WOW, WOW, WOW, Yes, I can see the movie now, and the figures, etc.etc. etc. so exciting. Yes, they are wonderful and I am trilled for you.
July 14, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Kristin Gray
Over the moon, Tara. Those are awesome.
July 18, 2011 at 8:52 am
prachi jain
Tara, since we know this story from the time of its first draft, it is quite an experience to see its illustrations. They are monstrously justified to the characters in the story. Love them.
July 20, 2011 at 11:30 am
RJ Clarken
I ♥ this!!!
July 30, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Pam Calvert
So…SO cute! I hate how slow pb’s are to produce. AGONY! Can’t wait to own yours!
August 2, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Judy Palermo
Love it! Must be so exciting for you!
October 18, 2011 at 10:06 am
Pat Zietlow Miller
These are so great!