Grobblechops

Grobblechops is an audiobook for young children, based on a tale by Rumi, about a little boy called Amir who is afraid to go to bed because a monster might come in the night.

Amir will not get into bed. What if the monster has huge teeth and growls like a lion? His dad has an answer for every worry. Amir can show his teeth and growl even louder, like a tiger. If that does not work, Dad will come running with his frying pan. And what if the monster has a dad with a bigger frying pan? Then Mum will come with her big umbrella. But grown-ups, even grown-up monsters, like arguing more than fighting, says Dad, because fighting is too tiring in the evening. So while the grown-ups talk, Amir and the little monster can go off and play with Amir's toy cars.

Little by little, the monster Amir feared becomes a playmate. Amir climbs into bed holding Teddy, and as he drifts off to sleep he tells his dad the monster's name: Grobblechops, who likes his pickup truck best.

The story shows children that fears in the dark can be talked about, and that a frightening stranger may just want a friend. Its gentle humour and patient dad make it a good book for bedtime. It is written by Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Jenny Lucander and narrated by Paul Panting. It takes about four minutes and is music-free.