A Monster on My Trail is the winner of the 2025 Moonbeam Gold Medal for Best First Picture Book.

Meru's imagination is running wild-and so are his fears. During a family hike, he becomes convinced there's a monster waiting somewhere along the trail. With his sister Sia's teasing, his parents' steady encouragement, and a few brave steps of his own, Meru discovers that nature isn't as frightening as he expected. It is full of surprises, beauty, and wonder.

This humorous and heartwarming picture book follows Meru as he navigates big feelings, builds confidence, and learns to look closely at the natural world. Young readers will enjoy the playful tension between Meru's runaway imagination and the reality of what he finds outdoors, while caregivers will appreciate the supportive family dynamic woven through the story.

Ideal for families, educators, and nature-loving kids, this story blends adventure, STEM-friendly curiosity, and relatable emotion. It encourages children to face the unknown with bravery, ask questions about the world around them, and discover that sometimes the "monsters" they fear are just shadows, shapes, or animals waiting to be understood.

Key Features:

- Introduces early STEM concepts through nature exploration

- Supports emotional learning by helping children navigate common outdoor fears

- Encourages curiosity about local wildlife and trail environments

- Engaging read-aloud with humor, imagination, and family connection

A warm invitation to embrace the outdoors, this book offers a reassuring adventure for any child learning to be brave in new places.