Spike, the Mixed-up Monster

July 23, 2012
Odd-looking little Spike, who lives in a pond in Mexico, is a fierce monster in his own mind. But to everyone else in his ecosystem, Spike is a harmless cutie-pie (he’s actually an axolotl, an endangered Mexican salamander). El pato (a duck) calls him “my funny little fish face,” While el campañol (a vole) says, “You’re almost as adorable as me!” They all change their tune, however, when Spike stands up to a real monster—a Gila monster, to be precise—although readers know that the two creatures actually part ways as amigos. Unfortunately, this story of a mixed-up monster is a mixed bag itself. Sweet (Mrs. Harkness and the Panda) has created wonderful watercolor portrayals of every critter (her Gila monster is positively majestic) with one exception: the clunky hero, who never coalesces artistically (his head looks like a big smiley face) or in terms of personality. As for the Mexican setting, Hood (Pup and Hound) doesn’t make much of it except for a sprinkling of mostly familiar Spanish words. Ages 4–8. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Illustrator’s agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown.

August 15, 2012
While Spike, a tiny axolatl salamander, practices being the monster he believes he is, the other animals call him cute and funny because he is small. Will Spike show his true nature? Fully adorned with a slithery tail, a spiky crown and stumpy teeth, Spike displays all his scary moves for his neighbors el pato (cinnamon teal duck), el armadillo and el campanol (Mexican vole). Instead of being terrified, they are charmed by this cutie. "You're almost as adorable as I am!" says el campanol. This book introduces simple Spanish words and names by effortlessly embedding them into the storyline. When the truly terrifying Gila monster arrives on the scene, all the animals cry "El monstruo!" and scatter. Spike alone stays to scare the creature off in his own unique way. Vibrant colors and creatures fill the double-spread swamp scenes, which strongly complement the text. Touches of whimsy in the landscape, both unusual and cheery, mimic Spike's personality. Readers of the endnotes might be surprised to see a photo of a real axolatl, smiling very much like the tiny hero. Hood and Sweet succeed admirably in creating a new twist on an identity story while cleverly introducing Spanish words and exotic creatures. (endnote, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)

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August 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 1-Monsters with big claws, a pointy tail, and gnashing teeth are supposed to be scary. Spike, an axolotl salamander who has all of these attributes, doesn't frighten anyone, because he is no bigger than a lily pad. He is disappointed that his animal friends (el pato, el armadillo, el campanol) laugh at his attempts to terrify them. When a true monstruo arrives, the others run away in fear, leaving Spike to face the Gila monster on his own. He learns that sometimes looking friendly can be more important than looking scary. "More about Spike and His Amigos" provides useful facts and photos of the various Mexican creatures that appear in the story. A list of basic Spanish words and their English translations is also included. Sweet's colorful mixed-media illustrations showcase Spike's emotions in an eye-catching format that is sure to please young readers. The book is a great addition to most collections and would pair well with Mo Willems's Leonardo, the Terrible Monster (Hyperion, 2005) and The Monster at the End of This Book (Golden Bks., 1971) for an entertaining storytime about timid monsters.-Stephanie Rivera, Naperville Public Library, IL

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2012
Preschool-G He is pointy. He is scary (but not really). He has a spiky crown. And although Spike is a monster, it seems he is better suited to saving the day with his smilenot his spikeswhen he comes face-to-face with el monstruo. Spike, a fictionalized axolotl salamander native to the lake marshes of Mexico, is actually pretty cute, and young kids won't be immune to his charms. Hood's simple and playful text, and select use of Spanish words, is enhanced by Caldecott Honor Book and Sibert Medal winner Sweet's (A River of Words, 2008; Balloons over Broadway, 2011) cheerful landscapes, lively palette, and fun versions of some pretty unusual animals. Together, author and illustrator establish a tale of unlikely friendship, while inviting young readers to consider what it means to have courage. The book concludes with detailed endnotes introducing the Mexican marsh creatures inspiring the plot ( More about Spike and His Amigos ) and a SpanishEnglish glossary for English-dominant readers. Spike will delight children with his tiny but mighty ways.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)