Snack Attack!

K-Gr 2–A pretzel, cheese doodle, and cookie are out for a day of fun in the kitchen when they find a note from “Mom.” Upon reading it, the snacks recall the large, dangerous, monsters that lurk outside their packages: kids. Together they discuss several plans—based on familiar snack scenarios—before finally settling on one that is sure to make them less appetizing. Then the kid comes home. Readers are left to decide the fate of the snacks themselves, though those familiar with horror genre conventions will likely reach the most obvious conclusion, and be delighted in mock dismay. Border’s photographs of real life objects are heads above most other picture books made in this medium. Each looks dramatic with shadows and lighting adding to the tone, and the general composition looks carefully and deliberately posed. The author further distinguishes his work by using camera techniques, a title card, and a narrative structure that allude to old monster flicks, with an intentionally corny overlay.