Crankenstein (Crankenstein #1)
by Samantha Berger (Author) Dan Santat (Illustrator)
Beware of Crankenstein! He's a little monster of crankiness that no one can destroy! He may look like any ordinary boy, but when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or an early bedtime, one little boy transforms into a mumbling, grumbling Crankenstein.
When Crankenstein meets his match in a fellow Crankenstein, the results could be catastrophic--or they could be just what he needs to brighten his day! This hilarious and relatable tale of grumpiness gone awry will turn toddler tantrums to giggles in no time.
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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—The bedroom looks like it belongs to an average boy: scattered checkers, model trucks, and a baseball on the floor; tiny action figures near the alarm clock on the night table; and a monster-face lamp grinning its terrible grin... well, okay, maybe the lamp is a tip-off. When the blanketed figure on the bed is roused by a hearty, "Good morning!!" his startled face is green and goggle-eyed, and his only comment is, "MEHHRRRR!" Crankenstein's eyes bulge dangerously yellow over a stack of pancakes when the syrup bottle is empty. His green and awful face is reflected in a pool of water on a rainy day, and it leers disgustedly when approached by a dripping, garish red spoonful of Dr. Giggles cough syrup. It seems as though everything turns a boy into a Crankenstein. Will the creature ever turn from "MEHHRRRR!" to merry? Youngsters will roar along with Crankenstein through this silly and sympathetic story of grumpy-grouchies. Santat's striking digital illustrations, generous in size, have hilarious details that will inspire repeated readings.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
Berger's (Martha Doesn't Share) sardonic riff on bad moods involves an unnamed narrator (Crankenstein's parent, clearly) describing scenarios that turn an average boy into a drooling green monster. Berger's writing is sharp and funny to begin with, and Santat's (The Three Ninja Pigs) polished, klieg-lit spreads bring the energy over the top. "Have you seen Crankenstein?" the narrator starts innocently, as someone under the covers ignores the morning sun. "Oh, you would totally know if you had," the narrator continues, as the quilt gets yanked away and the boy desperately shields himself against the light. "You would say, 'Good morning!! How are you?' Crankenstein would say, 'Mehhrrrr!' " School mornings drive Crankenstein to his knees; icy Halloweens leave him shivering in his robot costume; melting popsicles and long lines drive him wild. Santat's faux-airbrush style excels in capturing the beating rays of the sun and the eerie blue of the television screen. Not until Crankenstein meets a kindred spirit does his mood improve. Expect many re-read requests from Crankensteins who may (or may not) recognize themselves. Ages 3-6. Author's agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Illustrator's agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (Aug.)
Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
