An appealingly illustrated story about facing up to, and overcoming, fears. Francis has a secret, even from his best friend Ben: he's a scaredy-cat. Francis is afraid of the dark, but most of all, he's scared of the whispery hissy monster he hears out on the big tree in the garden on stormy nights. One night, Ben is late coming home, and Francis worries that the monster has captured him. Can Francis face his fear and go out into the dark, windy night to rescue his friend? Ed Boxall tells a comforting tale about friendship, and the discovery that love can overcome fear.