Monsters have never been this much fun!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In this second book in the series, Alexander and his new friend, Rip, try to learn more about the monster-filled notebook. They follow clues left by strange worms called night crawlers. It turns out new monsters are in town--giant fish monsters called tunnel fish--and even a fish-kabob monster! This humorous, action-packed book has fun black-and-white illustrations on every page.

Troy Cummings has been drawing since he was a little kid. His illustrations have appeared in newspapers and magazines, on websites, on frozen-fish-stick packages, and in hospital waiting rooms. He has published two picture books so far: THE EENSY WEENSY SPIDER FREAKS OUT! and MORE BEARS! His third picture book, GIDDY-UP, DADDY! is due out in April 2013. THE NOTEBOOK OF DOOM is his first early chapter book series. He lives in Indiana with his cat and family.