The Want Monsters: And How They Stopped Ruling My World

“Want Monsters,” explains the young narrator of Manchego’s first children’s book, only want to “make people happy,” but problems arise when those wants get out of control. The boy has a Want Monster named Oskar (who resembles a hulking blue creature with a paper bag over its head), and Manchego thoughtfully explores both the positive and negative aspects of his presence. On one hand, “his wanting has given me the strength to win races and the compassion to help someone in need,” the boy notes, but Oskar also encourages snack and video game binges, attention hogging, and other less fruitful behavior. By resisting his Want Monster’s impulses and tantrums, the boy turns Oskar into a more manageable Oskarito. Manchego’s oddly tiny, stick-figure-like artwork isn’t much of a draw, but readers will pick up some useful pointers on managing their own desires. Ages 4–6. (Feb.)