Famous Latter-day Saints

Brandon Mull’s ‘Monster Jamboree:’ A Ghoulishly Good Read

Halloween is not only a cherished holiday at my house, it’s a month-long event. From ghost stories to ghoulish dishes, I’m always looking for the next Halloween treat to share with my family.  But, with a six-year-old niece who loves coming over for sleepovers, it can be difficult finding spooky stories that everyone in my family finds enjoyable—especially after dark.

That's why I was so thrilled to discover "Monster Jamboree," a short story written by LDS bestselling author Brandon Mull.  Witty, well-written, and brimming with that essence of Halloween that we all love, “Monster Jamboree” is relatable for everyone in the family, from Grandpa all the way down to my little niece.  

Now, I can't wait for the chance to nestle underneath a pile of stuffed unicorns and Dora blankets with my niece and share this memorable Halloween story.

Check it out:

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Abandoned buildings sagged on either side of the dirt road as we rolled into Larill, Arizona, in the dead of night, our headlights flashing across broken windows and peeling paint. No other lights hinted at life in the area. Our troop of 14 Scouts and three leaders caravanned in two SUVs and an old minivan. The three vehicles stopped in the town’s main square. Our leaders killed the engines, and we got out. When I slammed my door, the echo bounced four or five times. A warm breeze sighed across the desert, carrying dry dust and the smell of sage. Off in the parched wasteland beyond the town, a coyote gave a lonely howl. With my arm fully extended, my hand couldn’t quite cover the pale hugeness of the bright moon. “Did you check the date?” I asked. “Midnight is a weird hour for opening ceremonies,” I said. Our Scoutmaster, a lanky man with a mustache, held up his clipboard and clicked on a flashlight. “The Monster Jamboree is scheduled to begin here tonight at midnight. We’re right on time." For the rest of the story, click here.

For more of Brandon Mull’s work, check out these books and stories at Deseret Book or visit deseretbook.com:

“Brandon Mull is a wizard with words. With Beyonders, he has conjured one of the most original fantasies I've read in years — an irresistible mix of adventure, humor, and magic.” — Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable — until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank into a strange, imperiled world.

What happens when your imaginary friend turns into your imaginary enemy?

Like many kids his age, Chad has an imaginary friend. His friend was Pingo. The two would fight ninjas, brew magical potions, and float in zero gravity. Each day was a fun-filled adventure, until Chad decided he was too old to have an imaginary friend.

But Pingo wasn’t ready to leave Chad alone, and started tormenting him and causing all kinds of mischief. Can this once inseparable duo ever be friends again?

Pictures retrieved from Book Zone.
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