The Monsters' Monster

In the 1931 movie Frankenstein, the monster was capable of kindness and innocence, but the villagers turned on him anyway. McDonnell's (Me... Jane) monster is even more prone to acts of sweetness and generosity--much to the dismay of his creators. Three runty, bean-nosed monsters named Grouch, Grump, and little Gloom 'n' Doom (he has two heads) decide to settle their perpetual quarreling about which of them is the meanest by making "a monster monster. The biggest, baddest monster ever!" Like Frankenstein's monster, theirs has the same flat head, neck bolts, and automaton walk. He's strong enough to smash castle walls, but he has unexpectedly lovely manners. His first words are "Dank you!" and his first impulse is to hug the little monsters tight. McDonnell's greatest strength is to explore with tenderness the finest instincts humans show, without making them prissy or maudlin. The monster's goodness (and some jelly doughnuts) transform the three little monsters in an entirely believable way: "Monster looked at them and smiled. They smiled back." Another winner from McDonnell--and good Halloween fare, too. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)

Three little monsters love to CRASH!, BASH!, and SMASH! Every day they argue over who is the best monster, until they join forces to "make a MONSTER monster. The biggest, baddest monster EVER!" At first, their efforts look successful, but to their horror, the creature's first words after tearing off his bandages are "Dank you." The enormous Frankenstein look-alike contents himself with breathing fresh air and gently greeting the spiders, bats, and rats in the castle. But just as the little monsters begin to despair, Monster lets out a ROAR and smashes through the dungeon wall, heading toward the "monster-fearing village" below. Is he finally off to make mayhem? Or will his exploits end in a lesson for the little monsters about gratitude and sharing? McDonnell's monsters are comic and endearing, and the book's colors gently shift from dark and gloomy to warm as the story progresses. The message is well executed, and the little beasts' exuberance at their badness keeps the tale from devolving into platitudes. This delightful title will provide a new option for "not so scary" monster storytimes.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

Praise for The Monster's Monster

A New York Times Bestseller

An Indiebound Bestseller

A National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Silver Winner

A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2012