March 2019, Interface, 96 pages, Hardback, Review copy
Book summary
Little Monstrie, a monster who doesn’t fit the “norms”, wishes his
name were something more empowering like Jean-Clawed. His mother makes
him wear tusk-mittens, she does not let him watch TV in the evenings, or
allow him to eat sweets. His fellow students at school think of him as a
bit of an oddball. Throughout the chapters that involve a kidnapping,
some bullying, and lessons on growling (which is hard to do when you
can’t roll your Rs) and scaring, Monstrie experiences moments of
wonderful self-discovery. The unconditional love from his parents
becomes apparent and readers also get to witness how an act of kindness
can turn around the actions of a bully. The ultimate lesson comes from
his scare class teacher who tells him that in life it is paramount to
always be yourself.
Written by a successful screenwriter, the
gloss-paper pages are filled with plenty of fun characters with
personalities ranging from shy to nerdy to confident. The
attention-grabbing, colorful illustrations from a debut children’s book
illustrator round out the overall feel of the book. There is a fun
little Monstrie glossary that explains a few things from the story—such
as what tusk-mittens are—and there is also an enjoyable I-spy page to
complete this engaging book.
Nayu's thoughts
This is such a fun read! Apologies for the late review, I somehow thought I had already reviewed it, but I hadn't. I couldn't help but feel for Monstrie whose mother fusses over him like most mothers do, not that most monsters would admit to that. She tries to bring him up right, regardless of his peers which some readers will relate to. Normally that kind of mother in a story like this would have me feel sorry for Monstrie (I did a bit) and thinking his mother needs to relax a bit. However, his mother is totally awesome!
Sure, she places a fair number of limitations on Monstrie, but her special monster power (as I call it) is absolutely brilliant! She is smart and can be a bit sassy when required, she works at a museum which is a huge plus for me, and, no matter the challenges Monstrie goes through, she really does know what is best for him and helps him become an upstanding citizen, someone who can overcome bullies and have plenty of adventures. Monstrie's adventures end the way they do because he is himself, albeit that different from others. The brightly coloured illustrations make the story feel vibrant and expand on each character's nature. An important book for every bookshelf, helping with common issues young children may face at school and in social situations.
Find out more on the dedicated website.
Suggested read
If you love humour check out The Witch With An Itch: Dragon v Dinosaur by Helen Baugh and Deborah Allwright (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)
Competition
If you would like to win a copy of Little Monstrie's Big Adventures, sadly no cute toy included, then simply fill in the form below by 12am 11th October! It is an international competition so do spread the word! If I don't hear from the winner by 18th October after I email them, I will choose another winner.
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you like the look of books reviewed, have read them, or have anything else to say, please leave a comment! Any comments with links in them that aren't for book/anime/film blogs will be removed.