MONSTERS

John likes to draw violent monsters—rendered by Blake in an inspired imitation of a youthful style. But when John embarks on a leviathan extended over several large sheets, his concerned parents take lure to Dr. Plunger, who encourages him to complete the drawing. As John emerges from Plunger's office, smiling for the first time, the voracious beast is glimpsed: it has come to life. Fortunately, John doesn't seem to need a doctor anymore. Hoban's quietly witty examination of John's monomania and various adults' carefully orchestrated responses to it have the ingenuous logic of his books about Frances. The conclusion is not so much violent as metaphorical: having completed his creative act in his own way, John is so little in need of a shrink that the doctor is actually obliterated. Monsters are a popular topic; kids should be amused by John's determination to follow his to their own startling, but thoroughly individual, resolution.