Monster and Boy

Monster and Boy

Hannah Barnaby

Holt/Macmillan, 2020

137 pages

Grades 2-4

Fantasy/Humor

Monster and Boy series #1

Imagine the boy's surprise when he discovers that the monster under his bed is real! He lets out an enormous scream-and the monster promptly swallows him. Unfortunately for Monster, the boy doesn't sit well and he must figure out a way to remove him. After many failed attempts at extricating the unwanted guest, the monster finally gives up and falls asleep. Upon waking, the monster coughs--and out pops the boy, only he is super tiny--and very hungry. The new friends try to brainstorm ways to make the boy bigger, yet to no avail. They finally give up and go in search of food. Once in the kitchen they are in for another surprise: the entire kitchen has been ransacked. Who is responsible for this destruction? Is it burglars? Will the boy ever find a snack and, more importantly, reach his full size again?

This newish series for emerging chapter book readers is right on point for the intended audience. There are comic-like illustrations on every page, wide margins, large print, and a linear storyline. Scary books are currently trending and this title will catch the eye of early elementary crowd without keeping them up at night. Just the thought of a monster is creepy enough for this age group and this particular monster is lovable and huggable, making the reader wish they had such a guest under their own bed. Gentle humor diffuses any scariness that kids may feel and they will delight in the nocturnal adventure. The book is well designed and makes great use of the single color of turquoise blue. There are cliffhanging chapter endings and some surprise plot twists that will encourage readers to keep turning pages. Once the story is finished, kids can go on in the series to the next two installments, which are already available. Not a new idea, but a common childhood fear made harmless with a accessible update.