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book cover for The Monster in the Lake

The Monster in the Lake

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Pub Date Sep 09 2025 | Archive Date Jul 31 2025

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Description

Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He’s heard there’s a monster in the lake, but his friends don’t believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure.

This large-format picture book features a detailed fold-out underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who’s nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.

Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He’s heard there’s a monster in the lake, but his friends don’t believe a...


Advance Praise

"Children who get their hands on this oversize, glossy delight, filled with made-to-linger details, will be lucky ducks indeed."—starred, Publishers Weekly

"Children who get their hands on this oversize, glossy delight, filled with made-to-linger details, will be lucky ducks indeed."—starred, Publishers Weekly


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9798765670507
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 36

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Average rating from 67 members


Featured Reviews

This is by far one of the best children's books I have read in a while. I loved the art, the story, and the message. My nephew loved making quacking and roaring sounds for the ducks and the monsters. So cute and fun!

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Wonderful illustrations help add to the curious mystery and hilarity of the story. The concise and engaging plot would work great for story time.

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Kids will love this book! Four ducks go to the lake, but Eric says I heard there was a monster and the other ducks say that was just a story. The three go in the lake, but Eric waits. Then Eric sees a “monster” who’s smiling and decides to go down below where they have fun. When Eric comes the other ducks wondered what happened to Eric, and ask did a monster get you? . Eric answers no, it’s just a story. What a great book about confidence.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

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This book was so fun to read, and the idea was so clever! The main thing that I liked about this book was that it was written only using dialogue and visuals. This was something different that you don't see super often, and it really added to the uniqueness of this book, giving it a fresh feel. Additionally, I think that this writing style helps readers stay more engaged and invested in the story, more so than if it was written like a traditional book.
As I mentioned earlier, the author's idea was very cool! What's even better is the way the illustrator depicted the monster in the lake, using bright colors, silly shapes, and a lot of imagination.
Awesome book! I know for certain that many kids will enjoy this story.

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This book is adorable! Absolutely love the beautiful illustrations with vibrant colors and a fun style. This would be an excellent choice for the preschool and kindergarten children during circle time. Although it does not have a lot of text, there is a lot to look at and a lot of creativity. I could see this book used as in a lesson plan where the next step is messy art to make your own monster. Thanks #netgalley for the ARC of #TheMonsterintheLake from #LeoTimmers.

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This story is phenomenal fun! The illustrative style of Monster in the Lake is GORGEOUS, whimsical, and unique. Each page is its own tremendous work of art that could keep a child exploring for read after read. Monster in the Lake is a simple, yet funny tale, with minimal words. A group of ducks go swimming on a lake, which is home to many surprises beneath the surface. This is going to serve as a wonderful and excitable read-aloud and is a must have for any library collection.

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How fun! A good lesson that you shouldn't judge people based on what you hear about them, but based on what they show you. This would be a fun addition to any classroom libraries!

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Very very cute! Beautiful illustrations and short, simple text would make this a great read-aloud title. It's also a humorous tale of a duck with the gift of the gab.

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Before I was halfway finished, I knew it was a book I need to buy for my own collection. I seek out quirky children's books and this one fit the bill with its animals with distinctly human names and lively monster illustrations. I can just imagine doing voices for the various ducks when I read it out-loud to my class! Excited to purchase once it's published.

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What a delightful, delightful, story! Children will love this: I sure do! The illustrations are not overdone, are just enough to clue in readers, and the sparse text works perfectly with these illustrations. Protagonist Eric the Duck is quite a character, and what a character arc he undergoes, with a positive ending. This story is lots of fun!

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