> Skip to content
  • Published: 4 June 2024
  • ISBN: 9781682636107
  • Imprint: Holiday House
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $32.99

Somebody Needs to Do Something About That Monster!



A silly and ironic twist on “The Little Dutch Boy,” featuring a charmingly unaware monster who just wants to be kind and make a difference

A silly and ironic twist on “The Little Dutch Boy,” featuring a charmingly unaware monster who just wants to be kind and make a difference

Merv is a nice monster. He sits outside the village, snacking on plants and blissfully minding his own business. Until…the villagers start complaining about “that monster.” Merv assumes they must be talking about somebody else and decides to go take care of that nuisance himself! He asks for help from the witches, the troll under the bridge, and even the unicorns. But their assistance comes with strings attached, and poor Merv isn’t ready to meet their demands. Will Merv return to the village a failure, or might he have been helping everyone all along?

  • Published: 4 June 2024
  • ISBN: 9781682636107
  • Imprint: Holiday House
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $32.99

About the author

Doug Cenko

Doug Cenko lives in Chicago, Illinois with his wife and daughter. He grew up in Indiana and one of his first jobs was at a comic book shop . . . where he spent most of the money he made. Since then, he has worked at design agencies, an animation studio, and a live special-effects company. His most recent claim to fame was reading his book My Papa is a Princess to thousands of fans at Dodger Stadium. For more information about him and his books, please visit http://dugduggoose.com

Also by Doug Cenko

See all

Praise for Somebody Needs to Do Something About That Monster!

"This sweet story offers sound messages about friendship, community, and appreciating what we have. Merv’s kind and endearing, the supernatural figures richly comical.... After reading about this cool monster, kids will know just what needs to be done about him—be his friend." —Kirkus Reviews

"Cenko’s digital art carries its classic cutesy charm.... This delightful and monstrous take on 'The Little Dutch Boy' is sure to please kiddos who love a comical quest." —The Bulletin

"[A] winning retelling." —Publishers Weekly