The Loch Mess Monster

August 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-Angus is a monster who lives with his parents in Loch Ness in Scotland. The family lives contentedly underwater there, guided by a simple five-rule code, until Angus thoughtlessly breaks monster rule No. 2: "Always pick up after yourself." In fact, he breaks the rule so regularly and egregiously that his fed-up parents banish him to his room in an attempt to stop the spread of his stuff throughout the house. His mess grows so large and tall that Angus accidentally breaks the most sacred rule of all: "NevereverEVER go up to the surface of the loch." Surfacing briefly, he is spotted by Nessie hunters, who, seeing the mess that accompanies Angus, dub him the Loch Mess Monster. With no accompaniment or sound effects, this is a straightforward vocal rendition of Helen Lester's picture book (Houghton Harcourt, 2014), carried entirely by the mellifluous Scottish brogue of Robert Ian Mckenzie. The narration begins with a glossary of Scottish terms pronounced and defined in the order they appear in the story. Young listeners will definitely want to pair the CD with the picture book so they don't miss out on Lynn Munsinger's charming illustrations. This silly tale will be a hit with wee laddies and lassies everywhere.-Jennifer Verbrugge, State Library Services, Roseville, MN

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