MONSTER PARTY!

Monsters attending parties are a popular picture-book topic; this circular tale adds one more to the shelf.

A friendly young monster receives a party invitation: “Monster invited. / Monster delighted. / Monster squeals, ‘SO EXCITED!’ ” The pastel-blue monster’s antics should elicit a few giggles, as when he primps in front of the bathroom mirror in his underwear or when he gets ready to chomp on a bug-covered pizza. Games are played, food is eaten, a food fight is begun, gifts are opened—and a temper tantrum erupts when it is time to say goodbye. The monster’s dad is a master distracter and redirects his son’s attention to checking the mail. Surprise (or not): Another invitation has arrived, and the creature’s frown disappears: “Monster glee. / Monster yippee! / Monster marks RSVP.” Unfortunately, the rhyming text fails to encourage participation and lacks the unfailing rhythm that would make it a good read-aloud choice. Bach’s monsters are more cuddly than scary, which may add some appeal for younger readers.

Pass on this party unless tame titles for the preschool set are needed.