The Monsters’ Monster by Patrick McDonnell (Little Brown, 2012) is another book with adorable creatures who want to be monsters. Grouch, Grump, and Gloom ‘n’ Doom can’t decide who is the scariest monster, so they decide to make their own scary monster. But when their Frankenstein-like experiment succeeds, they find their monster is just as adorable and polite as they are, saying “Thank you!” and asking for donuts, not storming around causing mayhem.
Since I recently read the original Frankenstein (reviewed here), I was delighted how The Monsters’ Monster actually focused on similar issues: that the monster just wants to be alive, enjoy life, and find friends. Shelley’s monster likewise was nearly human. The difference in McDonnell’s picture book is that the community doesn’t seem to flinch when the large green creation asks for jelly donuts. I also loved the ending, when Grouch, Grump, and Gloom ‘n’ Doom come to peace with themselves, thanks to their new friendly monster. The illustrations give the book delightful friendliness. These are monsters that any child will love.
Kid thoughts: I didn’t like it. I don’t have a reason. (ETA 10/27: Raisin has been saying “Dank you!” instead of “Thank you!” all day. He laughs hilariously when I suggest he’s being a monster. So apparently I caught him in a bad mood. From what he’s said since Thursday, I suspect he really liked this book! It’s stayed with him even days later.)
In our neighborhood, it is definitely Halloween season: pumpkins, Halloween parties, bags of leaves. In honor of the season, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of the “monster” books on the Cybils 2012 nomination list.
