From the prolific and beloved author and illustrator Elise Gravel comes this funny and cute board book for the littlest readers.
In this sweet little book, a monster tries to scare a young child. But the child insists the monster is not scary but actually quite huggable.
January 6, 2020
Gravel’s (What Is a Refugee?) beguiling, economical style is in top form in this board book. A big turquoise monster with an angry red mouth and two striped horns encounters a kid and dog in a forest. “Look at me!” the monster says, jumping out from behind a tree, “I am very SCARY!” While the dog strikes a range of attitudes, from snarling and protective to let’s-get-out-of-here, the kid is fazed not one bit. In fact, no matter how much the monster rails (“Listen to this: Grrrrrrrrrrr!”), the child stands firm, until the monster finally breaks down in tears over being unable to frighten. “I think you’re cute,” says the kid—and in truth, the monster really is quite adorable. The child follows up the compliment with the offer of a hug, the dog joins in, and on the final page, it’s clear the monster’s heart has melted. The petite format, hand-lettered text, and spare, single-plane black line drawings, punctuated with saturated spot color, make this book feel like a comedy skit lovingly performed for an intimate audience. Ages up to 3. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words.
October 15, 2019
Preschool After a monster ambushes an unsuspecting child and dog in the woods? Raaaarh! ?it's dismayed they don't find it scary at all. The unfazed child looks on as the monster makes its case: Look at my pointy teeth! Look at my huge eyes! It growls and roars and finally breaks down into a full-on existential crisis, but the child brings the monster peace with a new perspective? I think you're cute. Gravel captures humor and heart in a simple dialogue between the goofy aquamarine monster and apathetic child. The contrasting pairing provides a classic setup, and a heartwarming resolution brings satisfaction to the hilarious exchange.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)
January 15, 2022
Little Lulu thinks they are the boss in this French Canadian import translated by Simard. "Your job is to give me everything I ask for, okay?" says the tiny, ruffle-eared blue blob of a monster to a larger red blob of a monster, apparently a caregiver. Their first demand is for "a cake with lots of candy on top," which the grown-up monster flatly turns down. Lulu then demands a garbage truck and permission to drive it...also a no. The things she orders her grown-up to supply--only to be denied each time--grow increasingly ludicrous: a dinosaur egg with a baby dino in it, a fire-breathing robot, a real-life airplane, and even a chocolate castle. For each desired object, Lulu is careful to specify that they want "a big one! Right now!'" Finally, the little scamp bursts into tears: "It's not FAIR! You always say NO! I'm SAD. I want a HUG." This time the response from the big red monster, though familiar, is not the same: "A big one? Right now?" Caregivers of little ones will definitely see their headstrong charges in Lulu (even if the little tyrants don't see themselves). The tale is told entirely in dialogue, and the histrionic, imperious refrain will make for a fun read-aloud. Gravel's signature heavily lined cartoon illustrations are bright, minimalist, and representational. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Simple, true-to-life, and fun. (Board book. 1-4)
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