Written by Dan Richards, Illustrated by Robert Neubecker
The illustrations by the Park City, Utah resident Robert Neubecker are friendly and comical. The monsters definitely are not scary. They would like to be friends with kids, but accidentally scare the children even when they are trying to be friends. They make a lot of social errors. But it all works out in the end.
The pages about holidays getting personal were funny. The children were dressed as the monsters. The monsters felt bad about this. Some parts didn’t make as much sense, but were cute. For example, when one monster rode the bus the kids all hid at the other end of the bus. Why would that be boring? It seems like all the kids screaming and trying to hide would make it kind of interesting. (The bus driver definitely didn’t seem worried.) Maybe it was just that the monster didn’t have anyone to talk with.
Lots of kids will love this story. It’s not the best book ever about making friends, but it does talk about feeling left out. Little monster-loving kids will love this book. Finally – here’s the chance to make friends with a monster! What’s not to love?
Review by Cheryl Baker, Teacher, Mill Creek Elementary
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
The Problem with Not Being Scared of Kids
Written by Dan Richards, Illustrated by Robert Neubecker
32 pages
Boyds Mills Press, an imprint of Highlights
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Categories: Elem. – Picture Book
Tags: Monsters, humor, school bus, friends.
I does sound like a kid friendly book. They love to read about monsters. Thanks!