Monster Kids

How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All

By: Daniel Dockery

Narrated by: Veronica Taylor

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at why Pokémon's evolution from a single Japanese video game to global powerhouse captured the world's attention, and how the "gotta catch 'em all" mentality of its fanbase shaped pop culture—and continues to do so today.

More than just a simple journey through the history of Pokémon, Daniel Dockery offers an in-depth look at the franchise’s many branches of impact and influence. With dozens of firsthand interviews, Monster Kids covers its beginnings as a Japanese video game created to recapture one man's love of bug-collecting as a child before diving into the decisions and conditions that would ultimately lead to that game's global domination. With its continued growth as television shows, spin-off video games, blockbuster movies, trading cards, and toys, Pokémon is a unique and special brand that manages to continue to capture the attention and adoration of its eager fanbase 25 years after its initial release.

Whether it was new animated shows like Digimon, Cardcaptors, and Yu-Gi-Oh!; the rise of monster-catching video games and trading card games; and more, Pikachu, the king of pop culture in the '90s, opened the doors in America to those hoping to capture some of Pokémon's dedicated fans. In Monster Kids, Dockery combines the personal stories of the people who helped bring Pokémon to the global stage with affection and humor, making this book the ultimate look at the rise of the franchise in Japan and then North America, but also the generation of kids whose passion for "catching them all" created a unique cultural phenomenon that continues to make a profound impact today.

©2022 Daniel Dockery (P)2022 Running Press Adult

Great Overview of the 90s Pokémon Craze

Great book. As a late nineties-early 2000s kid, this book hit a lot of interesting topics: Pokemon, Digimon, 4Kids, Monster Rancher, and all of the other monster collecting shows and anime of the era. Veronica Taylor narrated with energy and enthusiasm. Of course, it was great to hear the original voice of Ash Ketchum narrate a book all about Pokémon. Well researched, and a light quick read that I devoured over the span of 3 days. This is a perfect book for those who watched KidsWB, 4KidsTV, and Toonami back in the day.

Gotta Catch ‘Em All!

Amazing nostalgic read that all Pokémon lovers should read & will most likely enjoy! :) it details the history & legacy of not just Pokémon but Digimon, Monster Rancher & Yu-Gi-Oh! It’s also so great that the narration is done but none other than Ash Ketchum’s voice actress, Veronica Taylor.

Great Book!!!

If you like Monster cartoons from the early 2000s then this book is for you. Such a great read (or listen)! I've learned so much more about all of these amazing stories and now just wanna do more research myself. Thank you for a great book!

Get ready for the feels

A narrative drenched in nostalgia as you explore Pokémon’s deep roots and also take plenty of time to evaluate the other cultural phenomenon such as digimon and yu gi oh that impacted and were impacted by Pokémon’s meteoric rise. The exposition of the history is gripping.