Title: THE MONSTERS’ MONSTER
Author & Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Number of Pages: 40
Source of Book: F&G from publisher for review
Once upon a time, there
were three little rascals who thought they were the BIGGEST, BADDEST
monsters around. Then along came an even BIGGER monster who changed
their minds. And all it took was two little words.
In this playful
tale from bestselling picture book author Patrick McDonnell, a very BIG
monster shows three very BAD little monsters the power of boundless
gratitude.
THE MONSTERS’ MONSTER is a charming picture book that is beautifully illustrated with a message about expectations, appreciation, and gratitude. Patrick McDonnell writes with a sense of humor to his three little monster characters in their names, words, and actions. The book seemed to be starting off headed in one direction, and then once the monster came alive, it went somewhere else than I expected, which is one of the reasons that it was such an effective book. Although the little monsters who are trying to be “real” scary monsters wish it were different, the one they’ve created just isn’t about that. He’s thankful to have been brought alive, shows gratefulness to those who did something for him, and wants to appreciate the beauty of the world he is now able to see. McDonnell’s story pairs wonderfully with his delightful illustrations, starting in the dark and gloomy monsters’ castle down to the neutral town and ending in the bright beauty of the beach at sunrise. I am a fan of Patrick McDonnell’s picture books, and THE MONSTERS’ MONSTER has risen to the top of that list.
