Mostly Monsterly

Mostly Monsterly by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Scott Magoon; published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, New York; 2010.

Poor Bernadette looks like her friends.  She’s mostly monsterly with fangs and fur and everything.  But Bernadette likes flowers and hugs and sprinkles, which are not monsterly pursuits.  Bernadette’s ingenious way of bridging the differences with her classmates is ingenious and will have the readers (and listeners) laughing out loud.

Monster masks on the end pages surely let us know that this is a monster tale, a story for Halloween perhaps.  Sauer’s story puts an interesting twist on a problem all kids have: How to fit in with peers without giving up what makes them unique.  Magoon’s illustrations (digitally rendered) include additional information to keep the listeners glued to each page.  Words and pictures work well to deliver a tale of fitting in while staying true to yourself.

Of course this is a wonderful read aloud story and there are many points to make about individuality and group dynamics (in an age appropriate way, of course).  For that reason, it would be appropriate to include in a pathfinder or story box about bullying or fitting in.  I think it would be appropriate to read to children with differences, like autism, and their classmates, to talk about celebrating differences and finding creative ways to get along.

The greeting cards that Bernadette makes for her friends could be an interesting craft at a Halloween themed story time.  Hmmm, a batch of green slime, some white beans for teeth, dried white glue crescent toe nails, it’s all coming together nicely. 😉

Happy Halloween!