MotherReader

Hush, Little Monster
by Denis Markell, illustrated by Melissa Twai
Little Simon 2012, reviewed from library copy

"Hush, Little Monster, don't you howl. Daddy's gonna give you a screeching owl. If that owl won't say 'whoooo,' Granny Ghost will bring you a big, bad boo!" Silly version of the song with lots of monster visitors, but the bright colors and cartoon style keep it all in fun. Some slightly spooky pages with zombies, but also silly situations like an ogre sneezing from all the hair shed by the wolf man. Light fun for Halloween or any time of year.

Vampirina Ballerina
by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Hyperion 2012, reviewed from library copy

A vampire girl who wants to be a ballerina is faced with unique challenges. Finding a night class is hard enough, but how do get the perfect positions when you can't see yourself in a mirror? Of course then there is the question of fitting in. But this little ballerina keeps at it with family support and it all turns out fine. The talented LeUyen Pham lends her special style in the illustrations with lightness and humor. Fun for the whole family, but especially the ballerinas.

Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody
by Ludwurst Bemonster
Feiwel & Friends 2012, review from library copy

“In a creepy old castle all covered with spines lived twelve ugly monsters in two crooked lines.” For Madeline fans, I need go no further to explain the shear enjoyment of this book. With the rhythm and set up of the original, this book copies the illustration style. though it’s hard to compare the gentle Madeline with the little monsters who inhabit the castle – even if they are some cute little monsters. Though not well-behaved ones. “In two crooked lines, they bonked their heads, pulled out their teeth, and wet their beds.” The book takes a dark turn with Frankenstein loses his head, goes to the hospital and starts eating people. And the book ends with all the monsters headless. It’s done in fun and with a silly feel, but it might be worth knowing before, say, you read the book to a room of preschoolers. Probably a better bet for k- 2nd grade. But very well done.