I WILL NOT WALK TO SCHOOL

Monster loves school but isn’t so keen on the getting-there part.

It’s a rough morning for Monster, who’s steadfastly decided “I will not walk to school today.” Thankfully, Bird, the adult caregiver stand-in, temptingly reminds Monster that it’s pancake breakfast day at school. Drawn by the prospect of a “pepperoni pineapple pizza pancake,” our hero sets out. At every stage, Monster stalls. Kids will enjoy Monster’s antics; adults will nod sympathetically over second potty trips, requests for a forgotten stuffed toy, and strangely slow “LIGHTNING SPEED” skips. They’ll also relate as Bird’s gentle imploring becomes increasingly perturbed: “WHY AREN’T WE MOVING?” Disaster nearly ensues when the pair finally arrive to find “plain pancakes,” but all’s well when other monsters show up bearing the coveted pineapple, pepperoni, and cheese. Bird’s closing words—“Promise me the trip home will be easier”—will inspire rueful grins. After such a kerfuffle, the ending feels a smidge underwhelming, but the journey is engrossing enough that the destination matters less. Told entirely through pithy speech bubbles, Hrab’s narrative is propelled through oddball humor and strategic use of lines in all caps. Rendered in a matte, desaturated palette, Collier’s jokey illustrations use frequent spot vignettes and exaggeration to comedic effect. Sage green and bulbous, Monster isn’t especially adorable, but our protagonist’s pliable, oversize face, with a lined mouth and inset eyes, effortlessly communicates emotions.

Hop, skip, and “GINORMOUS JUMP” into this amusing expedition.