Monster Needs a Party

July 22, 2013
First-timers Czajak and Grieb pair up for a gently funny story about a boy and his furry blue monster, who can’t decide what to wear for Halloween. Three options tickle Monster’s fancy, but none lasts for long: after donning a tutu and pirouetting around the family kitchen, “He kept on dancing, day and night, until his feet were sore./ But then he didn’t want to be a dancer anymore.” Czajak’s rhymes give the story energy and humor, as do Grieb’s digital caricatures, which emphasize the comedy of Monster’s cowboy ambitions and attempts to be a stealthy ninja—not easy when “he’s nearly nine feet tall.” Outside-the-box thinkers should enjoy the lighthearted ending, as Monster proves that sometimes one costume isn’t enough. Ages 2–6.

August 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-In this installment in the series, Monster desperately wants a party for his birthday. He dances around the house in eager anticipation; however, when he learns that none of his friends can attend his party, he becomes sad and a bit petulant. At the urging of his one friend, he agrees to go to Pirate Land, and before he knows it, he is having an amazing time on the rides, including Blackbeard's Bumper Cars and the Maelstrom Mixer. In addition, he achieves great success at Blast Ye Barrels, one of the carnival games, when his efforts at Ring Toss and Swat the Flies lead only to failure. To make everything even better, a surprise birthday party is awaiting his arrival at home. As in the other "Monster" titles, the rhymes are fun and the illustrations are bursting with vivid colors and numerous details. Further, the lessons are simple (be flexible, be persistent) and not overdone. The story reminds readers that life can be amazing if we are positive and open to new possibilities. VERDICT An upbeat story that will appeal to all young children.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.