Princess Posey and the Monster Stew

Gr 1–2—At six years old, Posey is at that liminal age between big kid and little kid. She knows that only babies carry a flashlight when trick-or-treating but she is still nervous about being out in the dark. Posey and Ava are excited to hear that at the Halloween party they will be making "monster stew," but as the party approaches their excited fear tips over into just plain fear. Neighbors Nick and Tyler have fun scaring Posey with Nick's creepy costume, but Posey is learning to assert herself with the boys. The adults in Posey's life give her the space to find her own way while also making sure they're there if she needs support, and Posey solves all her problems herself. After the story, "Posey's Pages" give directions for making Posey's princess hat. The directions are clear, precise, and easily followed, even without the print version's diagrams. Stina Nielson's calm narration is clear and direct. It beautifully captures the care and compassion with which Posey and her family live their lives. This would make a good choice for kids just making that move from easy readers to chapter books.—Susan Stumbaugh, Naperville Public Library, IL