Kirkus Reviews QR Code
MRS. MO'S MONSTER by Paul Beavis

MRS. MO'S MONSTER

by Paul Beavis ; illustrated by Paul Beavis

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-927271-00-1
Publisher: Gecko Press

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)