The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra

January 16, 2017
Nobleman (Boys of Steel) introduces a comic trio—three goats named Pep, Bumsie and Jayna—who debate the best way to handle the goat-eating chupacabra that lurks atop a nearby hill. Jayna, the bravest, proposes a pre-emptive attack: “There’s lots of us and only one of him.” Bumsie is anxiety-ridden: “W-what does the chupacabra eat for b-breakfast?” (“Goats,” Jayna replies.) And Pep’s a realist: “No veggies?” They meet the monster soon enough, and though they succeed in temporarily distracting it with other objects to devour (candelabras! cucarachas!), the moment of truth arrives as the chupacabra reveals its favorite food—which does indeed start with “goat.” References to Latin American food and culture appear throughout (“The whole chimichanga,” says the chupacabra, and Pep corrects, “You mean ‘the whole enchilada’ ”), and debut illustrator Aranda’s vibrant mixed-media artwork amplifies the book’s cross-cultural brand of humor; her chupacabra, with its beady nose, spiky purple ears, and lovely flowered hide, wouldn’t threaten a cat (although it throws a scary shadow). Readers will be sorry when this one is over. Ages 5–8. Illustrator’s agent: Adriana Domínguez, Full Circle Literary.

December 15, 2016
What do chupacabras, candelabras, and cucarachas have in common? Three silly goats, Jayna, Bumsie, and Pep, live in precarious proximity to the nemesis of cabras everywhere--the dreaded goat-sucker. Tired of waiting for the inevitable visit from their voracious neighbor, they brave the night armed only with a candelabra. Suddenly the lights go out; the chupacabra has eaten the candelabra! In the ensuing chaos, the goats discover the purple beastie's three favorite comestibles are candelabras, cucarachas, and--whew!--goat...cheese. They sigh with relief and make sure to keep the chevre coming. Aranda's whimsical, Mexican folk art-inspired ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are this story's principal draw. The wacky villain is Easter-bunny cute (with the exception of its fanged shadow), and the mustard, pink, and orange goats are endearingly goofy with their exaggerated hair- and horn-styles. However, Nobleman's slight and flighty tale's subliminal message is troubling. The goats are so blinded by fear that they fail to notice that the chupacabra never threatens or demands. "Oh, would it be any trouble?" is its wistful response to their bumbling offers of food. Yet the goats continue to assume the perky winged omnivore has them in its sights. Aside from the initial confrontation, they fail to regain control of their lives. Instead, the hoofed trio voluntarily commit themselves to appeasing the chupacabra's prodigious appetites indefinitely. Fear of the unknown is the overriding theme, and yet there isn't a satisfactory resolution--except for the very plump chupacabra. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-Stepping away from nonfiction, Nobleman, in his first fiction picture book, presents a playful twist on outsmarting a predator. After worrying if tonight is the night the chupacabra "comes for dinner," three nervous goats-Jayna, Bumsie, and Pep-take fate in their own hands and leave to try to scare the creature off. With a candelabra to guide them, they head toward the monster's home, but the chupacabra finds them and eats their candelabra, as candelabras happen to be his third-favorite food. The goats, all of whom have distinct personalities, deal with being kept on their toes by the chupacabra. As the title suggests, there is a lot of playful language throughout, as the chupacabra not only eats candelabras but also munches cucarachas (his second-favorite food). Aranda's illustrations, which extend the text, elevate this title and burst with humor. Her bright pinks, yellows, and purples vibrate off the page in the often nighttime setting. The snaggle-toothed but adorable chupacabra sometimes lurks in the background, while other times his shadow comically dominates the page. Everything comes together when the beastie finally gets to eat his absolute favorite food-goat cheese. VERDICT This enjoyable monster book is perfect for storytime read-alouds or anytime a humorously spooky tale is in order.-Danielle Jones, Multnomah County Library, OR

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2017
Grades K-3 One night, goats Jayna, Bumsie, and Pep worry the chupacabra might come to dinner. (The only thing Jayna knows about the chupacabra is that it likes to eat goats.) Hoping to scare him off, the not-so-intrepid trio departs with a candelabra providing light. Sure enough, they find the sharp-fanged creature, who jumps out and gobbles the candelabra. Their next encounter ends with the creature eating a cucaracha. Alas, the chupacabra's still hungry, and the goats fear their time has come. However, his most-favorite food of all is also the most surprising. Vibrant folk-style illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache depict the expressive goats and the sometimes loomingbut never very scarychupacabra. The somewhat lengthy narrative incorporates plenty of lively touches, from the goats' humorous wordplay to some playfully formatted text. The book doesn't have a glossary or pronunciation key for the occasional Spanish words, and without foreknowledge of some elements (knowledge of a certain type of cheese and the idiom the whole enchilada), some story aspects might not come across. Still, an amusing take on the legendary beast.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)