KIRKUS REVIEW
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.
Effervescent, in an entirely understated sort of way. (Picture book. 3-6)
