FICTION

Even Monsters

by AJ SMITH
illus. by AJ Smith. 32p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781402286520.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—"Everybody knows monsters SNARL! But did you know…Even snarling monsters ride the bus to school. They learn their ABC's and draw in art class." Readers quickly find out that monsters are just like them. The true winner of this book is the amazing art. Every spread seems to have hidden jokes and amusing details. The monster chooses "Swamp Munch Cereal" ("free bugs inside") and "Mantis Milk" for breakfast, and he wears "Fur of the Loom" underwear. These additions will make the book a favorite in both storytimes and one-on-one readings. Pair it with Mo Willems's Leonardo, the Terrible Monster (Hyperion, 2005) for a laughter-filled beastie storytime.—Brooke Rasche, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Monsters roar, snarl, grumble, and growl, but they also put on clean underwear, eat breakfast, play soccer, and do other "normal" activities. The simple, matter-of-fact text contrasts comically with wild, intricate illustrations full of hidden details: a small, orange robotlike toy companion; a bus full of different multi-eyed critters; tooth-brushing systems recalling Rube Goldberg's inventions. Kids will examine and re-examine each picture.
Reviewed by Brooke Rasche , May 01, 2014

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