How to Comfort a Monster

PreS-Gr 2–A book about a huge monster, a little child, and feelings that are just too big to ignore. A child, with pale skin and dark hair, wakes to the wailing, enormous monster outside the room and seeks to help in whatever way works: a hug, a hand to hold, or even a hanky to wipe away tears, but nothing seems to soothe the beast. ­Cederstrand offers a modern fable that highlights the force of friendship and the importance of allowing space for big emotions. Brought to life by Dackenberg’s watercolor illustrations, the skillful use of perspective maximizes the monster’s presence on the page, creating a physical representation of the enormity of grief and the powerlessness of the young protagonist. Although the story is a bit drawn out, the extra pages are easily forgiven due to the reminder to readers that sometimes simply being present for a friend in need is more than enough. ­