A LITTLE TOUCH OF MONSTER
By
Parker seems to be the perfect three-year-old, without a bit of monster in him, till independence strikes. Small Parker is a scrumptious, cute dumpling, but is never listened to. So one day he awakes feeling and behaving like a monster. His family responds by honoring his every whim; pleased with his new power, Parker's demands become more and more unreasonable until he is given as much chocolate as he said he wanted. Surfeited, Parker asks, ""Maybe we should save this for the next time we have a little monster?"" And ""from that day on they did their best to pay attention to Parker, within reason."" Chess's illustrations are elegantly designed, embellished with charming allover patterns on every available wall, garment, and toy. Her faces, a cross between Charles Addams and Cabbage Patch, are funny-ugly; together with the author's light touch they turn this cautionary tale into a merry romp which should amuse tots and their parents in equal measure.