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MR. BEAST by James Sage

MR. BEAST

by James Sage & illustrated by Russell Ayto

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2005
ISBN: 0-8050-7730-8
Publisher: Henry Holt

Charlie loves sugared doughnuts almost as much as he loves monsters. So his mom sends him to borrow a larger frying pan from Mr. Beast, who obliges but with the caveat that the pan be returned filled with delectable doughnuts. However, when Charlie returns the pan, his sweet tooth takes over, leaving only one doughnut. Mr. Beast is infuriated and promises to eat Charlie that night. Charlie locks all the doors and windows and checks the house, but Mr. Beast thumps and stumps his way into Charlie’s bedroom—where he tickles Charlie all over, roaring “Yum, Yummy, Yum!” Yup, Mr. Beast is Charlie’s dad. The mixed-media angular cartoon style animates the shivery step-by-step fright depicting Mr. Beast as dad with his coat over his head. Though the story itself is slim, the large-type noises and the sequencing build-up will tickle kids who are likely to command, “Do Mr. Beast!” A different enactment of “I love you so, I’ll eat you up!” (Picture book. 4-7)