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
Delightful wordplay and spooky artwork combine for hair-raising shivers.
A swarm of spooky bees come out on Halloween.
An intrepid pale-skinned youngster wearing a crooked witch hat and a cape investigates an eerie buzzing sound echoing from a graveyard. Suddenly, ghoulish green bees appear from behind the tombs. “One by one, their shadows rise, / Taking flight toward moonlight skies.” They are… “ZOMBEES!” With stitched-up wounds and tattered clothes and in varying states of decay, the bees moan and groan as they approach. “Do they like the taste of veins?” the protagonist wonders. “Have they come to EAT YOUR BRAINS?” The witchy tot runs to the library for help. Soon after, beekeepers armed with protective suits and smokers come to save the town. But when the zombees have an unexpected “ooky spooky” treat for the townspeople, the mood shifts, and everyone’s mindset changes—yes, even undead bees have sweet treasures worth savoring. Packed with lively rhymes begging to be read aloud with heightened dramatic flair, the zombees are simultaneously terrifying and adorable. Pops of neon green shine bright against the dark Halloween sky. Storytellers who lean into the spine-chilling fun by slowing the pace and stretching out syllables will surely elicit frightened squeals in response.
Delightful wordplay and spooky artwork combine for hair-raising shivers. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 15, 2025
ISBN: 9781665922500
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2025
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