Fall Reading 2013 Ten Birds Meet a Monster and Peek-A-Boo Monsters

Ten Birds Meet a Monster by Cybele  Young is a treat for the imagination. What kind of monster is it that the birds have found? What can they do to scare it away? Using spare clothing that is lying around, they try to disguise themselves as fearsome beasts, but the monster remains. The names of the beasts they invent sound like something from Willie Wonka - a terrifying crackatoothus or frightening vipper-snapper, for example. And there is some wonderful vocabulary to describe the birds. They are inventive, resourceful, attentive ... each gets a unique description. Readers will appreciate the surprise ending.

Even though the artwork is black and white, it is very detailed. There are stripes, checks, polka dots, and all manner of patterns and textures. Readers of all ages can spend an amusing interlude enjoying the birds and their antics.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley, but it will be available in stores on September 1, 2013. The birds first appeared in the story Ten Birds in which they are trying to find a way across a river. These birds seem to do a lot of problem-solving.

                                     

Peek-A-Boo Monsters by  Charles Reasoner is a book that would make a good Halloween story for very young readers. It's not scary, so there would be no worry of bad dreams. Kids would enjoy it when the small monster up on the chair says he's scared. Preschool and kindergarten teachers could also use it for a very easy introduction to opposites - big and small, short and tall, ceiling and floor.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley, but it is available in stores now.