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Description
A young monster and his human child reunite for a new horror—Ramón's birthday party!—in this spooky-funny chapter book from Newbery Medal-winning author Donna Barba Higuera.
It's a monster's ancient duty to inflict unimaginable horrors on misbehaving kids. But El Cucuy doesn't want to terrorize his assigned human, Ramón—in fact, he's desperate to get back to the human world to spend more time with his new friend. Unfortunately, back in the monster world, the contract between humans and boogeymen has broken down, and with it, the rules that allow them to coexist in relative peace.
When El Cucuy finally makes it back to Ramón, so do a terrifying assortment of boogeymen from other realms. And to those monsters' delight, they find lots of children gathered in one place: a birthday party! Can El Cucuy and Ramón beat the other boogeymen at their own games—and make sure the birthday boy and his party guests don't get eaten along the way?
Featuring two-color illustrations throughout and perfect for fans of Jon Klassen's The Skull, this chapter-book series from Newbery Medal-winning author Donna Barba Higuera and acclaimed artist Juliana Perdomo delightfully blends sly humor, light spookiness, and lots of heart.
Higuera successfully weaves fantastical creatures from around the world with the everyday worries surrounding a birthday party...Perdomo's black, gray, and green illustrations engagingly capture the characters and break up the text for chapter-book readers.
School Library Journal
Gr 2-5--In this playful new series, readers meet El Cucuy, one of many mischievous little monsters hatched to scare children into behaving. The smallest of his group, El Cucuy is assigned to frighten a boy named Ramón--but when Ramón isn't even a little bit scared, what's a monster to do? The humor of cucuys disliking fresh air and flowers but relishing boogers, spit, bugs, and other stinky delights is sure to amuse young readers. This sweet and silly chapter book shows that monsters aren't always what they seem. Abundant black-and-purple illustrations enhance the text and bring the quirky creatures to life. VERDICT A solid choice for larger collections or libraries where monster-themed books are in demand.
Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
ALA/Booklist
"Charming new series installment...Higuera balances fears both human and monster with humor...Perdomo's beautiful folklore-inspired illustrations in shades of green and black pop as they wrap around the text, giving readers a glimpse at the monsters of the world."
Kirkus
Starred Review
"Higuera keeps the humorous streak intact, deftly weaving in comical observations from both El Cucuy and Ramón about the human and monster worlds...Perdomo's duotone artwork keeps the lighthearted spookiness alive, enriching the recurring thematic beats of chosen familia and generous friendship once again...A grander, badder boogey world, with an even larger monstrous heart than its predecessor. "
Donna Barba Higuera grew up in Central California and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. She has spent her entire life blending folklore with her experiences into stories that fill her imagination. Now she weaves them to write picture books and novels. Donna's first book, Lupe Wong Won't Dance, won a Sid Fleischman Award for Humor and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second novel, The Last Cuentista, received the John Newbery Medal and the Pura Belpré Award. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and TIME. Donna Barba Higuera creció en el centro de California y ahora vive en el noroeste del Pacífico. Ha pasado toda su vida mezclando el folclore con sus experiencias en historias que llenan su imaginación. Ahora las teje para escribir libros ilustrados y novelas. El primer libro de Donna, Lupe Wong No Baila, ganó el premio Sid Fleischman al humor y el honor Pura Belpré. Su segunda novela, La última cuentista, recibió la Medalla John Newbery y el Premio Pura Belpré. Fue nombrado uno de los mejores libros del año por el Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Wall Street Journal y TIME.
