MONSTER'S TRUCKS

Three picture-book trends collide when monster books meet interactive books meet construction books.

Now meet Monster. On the other hand, don’t meet Monster. He’s a bit of a greedy fellow (a sin that seemingly excuses the tortures soon to be visited upon him), unwilling to share his construction equipment. That won’t stop young readers from messing with him, of course. Quite the opposite. One can imagine the glee with which kids will defy Monster’s howls of protest to pull a painted lever, push an arrestingly red button, tip the book, and even sneeze in order to disturb their blue, furry victim. In an impressive two-page display, kids are eventually invited to play with all the levers, buttons, switches and nodules they like. In doing so they construct a tree fort for Monster, who seems a little more willing now to share. Sutphin’s colorful cartoons give Monster a wide-mouthed wackiness perfectly in keeping with his trials. At times, it can feel as though readers are putting poor Monster through too much, but the presentation has a distinct Wile E. Coyote vibe that alleviates some of the discomfort. All interactions are imaginary, à la Hervé Tullet; there are no tabs or flaps to manipulate (or tear off).

Is there a monster at the end of this book or a monster reading this book? Your call.