Effervescent, in an entirely understated sort of way.
The unflappable Mrs. Mo tames a rude monster with some patient mentoring.
A knock at the door summons Mrs. Mo. In runs a horrid blue monster, tongue wagging and arms waving, anxious to “CRUNCH, MUNCH, AND CHEW,” as “[t]hat’s what monsters do.” Mrs. Mo watches as the monster rudely crunches a paintbrush, munches a ball of string and chews a spoon. When Mrs. Mo mildly suggests that it “try something else,” the monster goes on a tear, crunching and munching his way through the dark attic until he’s exhausted. When he comes back downstairs, he finds Mrs. Mo painting letters on little pieces of paper and follows her as she hangs the letters out to dry and starts to make a cake. She shows him how he can help, and it’s the monster who applies the final flourishes of frosting. What the duo has created are a sign and a birthday cake for Mr. Mo, who certainly seems surprised. As Mrs. Mo hugs the monster in thanks, there’s a “knock knock” at the door. In run two children, looking to “BASH, SMASH, AND THROW.” Hm. Even the very youngest children should understand and enjoy this droll depiction of a child’s moods. Judicious use of color, various perspectives and basic shapes give the book a distinctive look.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-927271-00-1
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Gecko Press
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Pleasingly sweet paranormal activity for the preschool crowd.
A group of silly ghosts have nighttime fun.
The duo behind Bouncing Bunnies! (2025) has turned a supernatural page. Ten bright white wisps with animated eyes and mouths fly into the night to see what kind of mischief they can create. But first they must sneak down from the attic: “Tiptoe, tiptoe! Nice and slow. / Tiptoe, tiptoe! Don’t laugh, though!” When they burst into the moonlight, they are then ready to… (a page turn intensifies the anticipation) “GLIDE!” They soar around town: “Glide, glide, glide! Faster now. / Glide, glide, glide! Love that—WOW!” Audiences will be up on their feet, swooping to and fro. These ghosties also like to spin, giggle, and—the most important action of all—shout “BOOOOOO!” Each sprite is surrounded by a specifically colored aura, and some carry an accessory such as a book or a lantern, which helps differentiate them. Various nocturnal animals also make appearances. After their energetic activities, the ghosts sleepily head back home, though here the narrative drops, and yawns are shown only in the illustrations. Adults may wish to add their own commentary in order to settle storytime listeners, reeling them back in from raucous spooking.
Pleasingly sweet paranormal activity for the preschool crowd. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 14, 2026
ISBN: 9781665990875
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
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