Otto Normal's Monsterton: The Disappearance of White Pine Beach: Volume 1

A hauntingly delightful, highly illustrated series opener with graphic novel inserts, perfect for readers 8-12 who love spooky suspense.

"McKechnie capably balances the characters' humorous antics with steadily rising stakes while Estrada's animated illustrations expertly utilize light and shadow to deepen the atmosphere of this promising series opener, a dual debut." - Publishers Weekly

"Rich illustrations amp up the delightful eeriness with deeply saturated colors and a playfully rendered cast of ragtag characters who will leave readers eager for the next installment." - Kirkus Reviews

Eleven-year-old Otto and his mom are newcomers to Monsterton, an island on the border of the Belcarra forest and a mysterious place called The Dark. Monsterton is picturesque and beautiful; it's an idyllic place for monsters to be themselves. There's Hamish and his brother Ben, who have been created and sewn together by their pirate father; the royal vampires, Red and Rose, who are followed around by their dutiful guards; Remi, a ghost girl who can appear and disappear at will; Darby, a quiet girl made entirely of slime; and Luck, a zombie who always she thinks she's right.

There's only one teeny, tiny problem. Otto and his mom aren't monsters.

As a human, Otto feels that he has to prove himself. After all, as Remi reminds him, he's so fragile. Along with Otto's new friends Hamish, Darby, and Luck, they set out to find the legendary White Pine Beach--a beach so mysterious, it's rumored to jump locations, never staying in the same place for too long. But what this ragtag team discovers is far more mysterious than a location-jumping beach. And when one of their number doesn't return home with them ... rumors swirl.

Debut author Danielle McKechnie weaves compelling lore and storytelling with delightful characters brought to life by illustrator SimÃ3n Estrada, making this spooky and charming full-color novel perfect for fans of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Five Nights at Freddy's.

Author: Danielle McKechnie
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published: 08/26/2025
Pages: 432
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.20lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781524899349
Audience: Ages 9-12

About the Author
Danielle McKechnie is a debut children's book author from Vancouver, BC. After studying at Circle in the Square Theatre School, Danielle moved to Los Angeles, CA and transitioned to behind-the-scenes where she worked throughout the entertainment industry in film, television, traditional radio, and live entertainment. Danielle now lives in her hometown of Vancouver with her husband and two daughters.

Simón Estrada is an illustrator from Pasadena, California and currently lives in Hollywood. He earned his BA in Fine Arts from the University of California Santa Barbara and a BFA in Illustration with an emphasis on Entertainment Arts from the Art Center College of Design. Simon often works on popular Disney animation series. MONSTERTON is his first book!