Monster Hands

Praise for Monster Hands:An ALSC 2025 Notable Children’s Books Selection A Schneider Family Book Award Honor A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of 2024A 2024 Booklist Editors’ Choice Pick A 2024 Kirkus Best BooksA Junior Library Guild SelectionAn Amazon Best Book of the Month—May 2024★ “Kane and debut author McMillan build suspense with each of the duo’s attempts to banish the monster, creating a lively collaboration that gives way to a tender gesture between the friends. MBD employs vibrant gradient hues to create looming shadows and dynamically highlight ASL signs.“—Publishers Weekly, starred review★ “A thrilling tale of bravery, friendship, and the power of signing. Children will eagerly sign or shout along with the most exciting moments. MBD uses color, light, and perspective to create cute yet dramatic illustrations. This is an excellent read for any child fretting about things that go bump in the night, as well as an effortless celebration of ASL.“—Kirkus, starred review★ “Energetic and dramatic…Clever use of panels and framing make the children’s signing particularly viewer-friendly, and illustrator MBD depicts clearly and expressively ASL’s dynamism… Unlike so many stories that make an issue of the use of ASL, this one naturally and easily shows it as the language these children use—allowing the drama of the story to take center stage.”—The Horn Book, starred review“Not only are readers treated to a relatable bedtime excursion, but they will also learn the signs for several terms, which are presented organically and naturally throughout the story. The illustrations are equally captivating, in a nighttime palette of blue and purple that depicts the monsters as somewhat eerie, but never anything terrifying…A welcome addition to all collections.”—School Library Journal

Karen Kane grew up in Rochester, NY and became a sign language interpreter before becoming a writer. A graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts, Karen is the author of the Edgar Award-nominated book Charlie & Frog and its sequel The Boney Hand, and the “hilarious and subversive” picture book with Beth Bacon, Alphabuddies- G Is First!

Jonaz McMillan is a Deaf writer and producer based in Los Angeles, known for his work in film, TV, and children’s literature. Currently pursuing an MFA in Writing for Film and TV at Emerson College, his notable projects include ‘The Tuba Thieves,’ premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, ‘CBS Showcase 2022,’ and ‘Hands Land,’ among others. Previously, he served as a faculty member at Gallaudet University, also his alma mater. Occasionally, he writes from the heart on napkins and leaves them in public places, hoping they resonate with strangers.

Dion MBD (short for Dionisius Mehaga Bangun Djayasaputra) is an Indonesian illustrator/designer who lives and works between Brooklyn and Bandung. Dion received his illustration BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, where he grew his fascination with clouds. In his downtime, Dion is either cooking, listening to John Mayer, or cloud-watching.