Monsters and Veggies: Why Unlikely Combinations Make Great Children’s Books

Children’s books are full of surprises. A giraffe who can’t dance, a pigeon desperate to drive a bus, a dragon who hates fire, crayons that go on strike, aliens that obsess over underwear, a crocodile who has no time for water, and a mummy who won’t eat vegetables. Yet somehow, it all works. These stories take unexpected or seemingly mismatched ideas and turn them into pure magic. 

In the world of children's literature, unlikely combinations are not accidental, in fact they are purposeful and intentional. When used well, they create refreshing, memorable stories that stick in kids' minds and get them laughing, thinking, and reading…again and again.
Let’s explore why these odd pairings work, and how books like mine, “No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy,” reflect this winning formula. It features a little mummy who is not into veggies and politely and repeatedly declines them.  But his Mummy, carefully and thoughtfully helps him to try his peas and soon enough, they are having a dance party to celebrate little mummy’s brave feat! 

Why These Odd Pairings Work

• They break expectations: Kids like surprises and absurdity. These stories break certain rules of logic in smart and/or funny ways. 

“No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy” defies logic and conventions in so far as:

• A veggie-disliking mummy doesn’t even need to eat vegetables since mummies aren’t alive! 
• And isn’t Halloween a time to talk about candy, not veggies?! 

 

• They personify emotions: Giving inanimate or wild characters feelings makes them relatable in safe ways for kids.
  • Picky eating is common. Kids often express an aversion to vegetables and/or simply won’t try them. Kids can relate to a monster that isn’t thrilled about broccoli and peas. They can identify with feelings of pressure, anxiety, and annoyance when it comes to the veggie battle around the dinner table. 
  • “No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy” enables kids to see how the little mummy comes to try a pea or two via an eating experience that feels calm and orderly and without force or bribery. 
  • The little mummy is a safe proxy for human veggie-resistors. 

 

• They simplify complex topics: Like family, friendship, emotions, and even life events such as the arrival of a new sibling, the first day of school, or the passing of a loved one.
  • Trying new things is not a small thing. Whether that new thing is riding a bike, talking to a new friend in the park, or eating a green veggie – all of these “firsts” require bravery and trust.  
  • When little mummy expresses resistance, anxiety, and discomfort (all normal and tough feelings), kids get to read about the monster’s experience and relate it back to their own.  
  • At the end of this story, little mummy does eat his veggies and learns about veggie possibilities such as in a stew, in a wrap, and as a side, soup or salad. These possibilities are illustrated in a thought bubble that models the kind of thinking kids can do as they think about exploring new experiences. 

 

• They’re funny: Humor helps kids absorb information without feeling like they’re being taught.
  • Just telling kids to eat their vegetables isn’t productive and/or typically effective. But throw in a bowl of “spook-ghetti,” a mummy-dog sidekick, and a veggie dance party and well…now you’ve got a funny story. And that vegetable consumption goal – it’s still there but far more digestible with humor. 
  • Strive for being entertaining over educational as kids can sniff out a heavy-handed message.  This is not to say that you cannot convey an important idea(s) but be mindful of how you are messaging.
  • I’d also recommend “Monsters Don’t’ Eat Broccoli” for a laugh-out-loud book in this genre. 

 

They’re clever: Kids appreciate cleverness and delight on being “in on the joke.” Sharks that are afraid of the dark…hah! 

• Kids are aware of natural pairings, expected associations - a cunning fox, a cheese-loving mouse, a swashbuckling pirate, a sleepy bear, a scary monster, a magical wizard, a flying witch, and a hard-working bee.  Children have an amazing comprehension or developing understanding of these connections.  
• So when we flip the script – they get it!  A gullible fox, a lactose-intolerant mouse, an adventure-adverse pirate, a bear who can’t fall asleep, a loveable and sensitive monster, a spell-challenged wizard, a broom-less witch, and a lazy bee – are all premises upon which to base an amusing children’s book. 
• Kids know that mummies aren’t real, aren’t alive and that they don’t eat vegetables. But children are imaginative, creative, and active thinkers who can suspend disbelief and enjoy a good story. 
  

Takeaways for Writers & Parents

If you’re writing a children’s book or choosing one for your child at your local library or bookstore, incorporate this notion of the expected with the unexpected. Odd pairings make for wonderful, inventive stories.  

Writers should note that these manuscripts are ripe for word play and are just a delight to write.  They are also a dream for illustrators who get to flex and explore their creativity. 

Parents should relish the opportunities for discussion brought about by unlikely combination books. They invite questions and open up dialogue. For instance, why won’t the mummy eat his veggies? What should the mummy eat? How does the mummy feel about fruit? Other than “spook-ghetti,” what are other foods that mummy might like?

Final Odd Thoughts: 

Kids don’t think in categories the way adults do. In their minds, a monster can have strong food preferences, a crayon can throw a tantrum, and a crocodile might really detest the water.

Let’s all embrace strange combinations. Write or read stories with weird mashups and let’s celebrate the imaginations of authors, illustrators, and kids!

Bio: Kristin Blakely is a Toronto-based mom of three and author with a PhD in Sociology who loves (in no particular order) writing children’s books, Popsicles and popcorn and peanut butter (but not at the same time), her goofy Bernedoodle, and working to make the world a more equal, just, and sustainable place. 
 
Before writing for children, Kristin taught in the university sector and has held many leadership positions in the not-for-profit sector.  Kristin is a member of SCBWI and CANSCAIP (the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers) and is a Judge for CANSCAIP’s 2025 Writing for Children Competition.
 
You can find Kristin on Instagram, Bluesky, or visit her website at: www.kristinblakely.com.
“No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy” is available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.