Kings of the Castle

George, playing on the beach, sees a monster emerge from the ocean. It's roughly his size but has a head like a dinosaur, a sinuous tail, and scales. George introduces himself, but the monster doesn't talk, at least not in language George can understand: the creature trades happy "arfs" with George's dog, Boris. Disdainful, George turns to leave, but Boris leads him back: the monster is drawing something in the sand. It's a picture of itself and George, and it has written its name: Nepo. "Maybe they could be friends after all," writes Turnbull (The Sea Tiger). They start building in the sand, and a climactic gatefold reveals a spectacular castle--a forest of turrets, domes, and arches, all thrust skyward under a full moon. The twist is this: George is a monster, too; he has four horns and a tail, and he's nocturnal (the entire story takes place at night). There's lots on offer in this lovely portrait of a friendship bridging difference--a splendid vision of what dreams can build, and a reminder of the riches that lie unseen in the people (and monsters) all around us. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--George is a young monster who doesn't want to waste his night doing the usual monster activities. Instead, he goes out to the beach with his dog, Boris, to "build a sand castle that would turn any monster green with envy." As they build their sand structure, a strange, dragonlike creature with fins and who walks on two legs emerges from the sea and introduces itself to George and Boris. After an amusing yet ultimately failed attempt at communicating with each other, George and the creature find out that they have things in common and realize that they do not have to be afraid of those who seem different. Their newfound friendship yields a gigantic, eye-popping sand sculpture that requires a gatefold to fit it all on the spread. This is a funny and uplifting story of taking a chance on a new friend and the rewards of a little patience and tenacity. Turnbull's colored pencil illustrations are bright, with a little bit of haze perfectly capturing the moonlight bathing the sand and the ocean. VERDICT A fantastical tale of friendship and acceptance that will be enjoyed by many young readers and can be shared one-on-one or with a group.--Christopher Lassen, BookOps: The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The artist's refined linework and skilled draftsmanship reveal a technical skill worthy of the picture-book masters she emulates. With her colored pencils, Turnbull captures Moebius' color palette; Winsor McKay's innovative use of comic panels; and Maurice Sendak's emotive and appealing character designs. A marvelous journey worth taking." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"There's lots on offer in this lovely portrait of a friendship bridging difference—a splendid vision of what dreams can build, and a reminder of the riches that lie unseen in the people (and monsters) all around us." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Turnbull's colored pencil illustrations are bright, with a little bit of haze perfectly capturing the moonlight bathing the sand and the ocean. A fantastical tale of friendship and acceptance that will be enjoyed by many young readers and can be shared one-on-one or with a group." —School Library Journal