Twenty-one years ago I first read the tale of a boy who in nearly every aspect, mirrored myself. The dramatic emotion portrayed on every page tells a story kids from a neglectful or abusive household can identify with. I myself was not abused as much as neglected, similarly locked in my room as punishment for something I may have done or something my step dad 'invented' as a reason to ground me. Over time a parent can fall into a cycle where it is 'easier' push their child away, make them go to their room, than it is to deal with their emotional and social needs. This cycle has the inevitable consequence of the child withdrawing from reality - in my case I spent all my waking hours at home (when not doing chores of course) reading books to escape the reality that my parents had locked me in my room and didn't want to spend time with me. Every person will take away a different meaning (or multiple meanings) from the story depending on how you were raised and the quality of your family relationship growing up. To some it may symbolize that you cannot judge a book by it's cover - that just because someone or something looks scary on the outside doesn't meant it's scary on the 'inside'. To me this book symbolizes what happens when a child has reached the point where they no longer enjoy reality. They are so alienated by their family, by those who should love them that they seek affection from anyone (or in this case any monster) who will provide it. These are not cute little teddy bears in the book - they are hairy, scaly, demonic horned beasts that could eat the little boy in a single bite. I personally, think the ones in the movie are too cute.