Childhood logic and a preference for the impossible explodes in this enjoyable tale of crazy conclusions. Mrs. Muffly’s recent behavior has been most peculiar. The explanation? “We think that’s because she is keeping a HUGE monster in her house!” The evidence is overwhelming. After all, why else would she need to purchase 27 dozen eggs (to style the monster’s hair) or 58 packs of butter (to smooth his rough feet)? After buying a different ingredient in massive quantities each day of the week, all comes clear on Sunday when Mrs. Muffly wins the Giant Cake Competition with the largest masterpiece on display. Unwilling to give up the theory, however, the ever-optimistic narrator concludes, “BUT we think she must have had some help,” as jammy monster-shaped footprints track across the page. Dyer’s seemingly simple mixed-media pictures complement this tale of juvenile justifications quite well. This isn’t a tale of kids just leaping to conclusions; it’s a full-throttle lunge. (recipe in metric and English measurements) (Picture book. 4-8)
