A 'loathsome monster' attacks a tiny planet and gobbles it up bit by bit. Then it heads for earth, where it sees a little boy called Tommy Brown on its radar - who happens to be afraid of monsters. The monster finds Tommy's house, while Tommy gets ready for bed, carefully checking all the places where monsters might be hiding. Outside, the monster lurks, saying, 'I'm going to get you'. In the morning, Tommy leaves for school, and the monster attacks 'with a terrible roar'. Only, Tommy doesn't notice because the monster is less than the height of one of Tommy's trainers. This surprise ending on the very last page puts unknown fears into perspective and is funny besides. Children will enjoy the non-plussed look on the monster's face.