One Hungry Monster: A Counting Book in Rhyme

At bedtime a small boy tries to control ten insatiable monsters demanding food and creating chaos throughout the house.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Counting rhymes, an entertaining, although sometimes predictable text, and a large portion of humor combine to make this book one that should be a favorite with primary-aged readers. One by one, ten monsters join the chaotic going-ons in a little boy's house. Once they all arrive, the little boy is faced with "Ten hungry monsters,/ about to fuss and kick,/ won't get out, they tell me,/ unless I feed them quick!" And so he does. He brings out ". . .1 jug of apple juice,/ 2 loaves of bread . . ," until the monsters have spaghetti, eggplant, pears, pumpkins, turkeys, pizza pies, watermelons, and jars of peanut butter. But even then the monsters are not content, and they create havoc in the house until the boy insists that they leave. While he enjoys the muffin he had hidden, a monster peeks out of the fireplace--a detail that won't go unnoticed by young readers. Munsinger's illustrations of the monsters are better than those of the boy; they're a delight. Not too scary, they're just ugly enough to fit the part. The details make the illustrations overflow with humor. A story that young readers will enjoy again and again and again. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, Iowa
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A young boy encounters 10 hungry monsters in this counting book in rhyme. The night begins with one hungry monster "begging to be fed," and before the 10th monster arrives, chandeliers are swung on, sneakers are chewed and a rug is ravaged for a "tasty bug." The boy's attempt to get rid of the gluttonous monsters--by offering a wide range of foods, from pickled pears to pizza--fails, and the action continues until the boy throws a tantrum and the monsters sheepishly exit toward the chimney. O'Keefe's verse abounds with carefree, playful imagery while Munsinger's monsters are suitably pudgy and wide-eyed. They perfectly convey their imposing, excessive indulgences. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.