MONSTER TOYS

What kinds of toys does your little monster like?

Readers jump right into the action with the first two lines of text: “Monsters like all kinds of toys. What will they play with today?” From there, each page uses simple, declarative sentences to introduce a new monster and their toy of choice. Caregivers and other adults may be tickled by the juxtaposition of regular toddler activities with monstrous illustrations—for instance, a purple monster with dinosaurlike spikes smiles while playing with plush mice and a homemade dollhouse created from a box with an open hardback book as the pitched roof (“Megan makes a mouse house”). The intended audience may not appreciate the humorous contrast, but they will be drawn in by the soft tones and slightly fuzzy lines of the silkscreen illustrations. The closing images feature a blue monster with an inscrutable face, a broken robot toy, and the suggestion that all playtime must eventually end: “But Ramona needs a rest. So Bernard brings a blanket and a book.” It’s the gentlest hint that everyone, regardless of species, should consider taking a nap now and then. The solid board-book construction will ensure that this title stays around for many future nap times to come.

A monstrously good read.