Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Winifred Schnitzel-a brown-skinned girl with big kewpie-doll eyes and two fuzzy pigtails-has a monster problem. They visit her bedroom every night, and although Winifred thinks they are adorable (and in the Mary Blair meets Monsters, Inc. world of Robinson's artwork, it's easy to see why), but her sleep cycles are suffering. Winifred sets a variety of traps to deter the monsters, but she inadvertently discovers that a sleep-deprived kiss works better than sticky nets or spike-covered chairs. Fredrickson's rhymes bounce along at a rollicking pace ("Winifred knew that despite their uniqueness,/ she'd discovered that monsters have one silly weakness"), and there are plenty of giggles to be had in watching a sleepy Winifred send the monsters scattering as she tries to bestow gentle kisses on them. Ages 4-8. Illustrator's agency: Lindgren & Smith. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Poor Winifred Schnitzel looks a bit monstrous after losing sleep because the monsters invading her house won't quit! She's definitely not afraid, but her handy guide to getting rid of monsters is just not doing the trick. One night, in a sleepy stupor, Ms. Schnitzel puckers her lips and lands a kiss on the nearest monster. It does the trick, and the monsters bother her no more. Playful and witty, this story will have even the grown-ups giggling. Written in verse, this rhyming text is fast-paced and silly in the most delightful way. Robertson's illustrations of Winifred are hilarious, as her cartoonish facial expressions perfectly convey her confusion, determination, and utter exhaustion. Additionally, the monsters appear simultaneously sinister and harmless, keeping young readers from fearing monsters like the brave Winifred Schnitzel. The little girl's attitude and actions send a strong message to young readers and promote reading to boot. VERDICT A great choice for any picture book collection.-Kaitlin Connors, Virginia Beach Public Library © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
How do you deal with an infestation of monsters? "Winifred Schnitzel was never afraid. / Not of monsters or ghouls or the noises they made." In fact, young Winifred loves pirates and werewolves and scary movies. This doesn't stop monsters of all shapes and sizes from trying to scare her, but all of their growling and snarling and menacing is for naught, as Winifred thinks monsters are cute. However, their nightly visits are keeping her awake, so she buys a book (Monsters Beware!) for monster-trapping ideas. The sticky-string trap doesn't work, and neither does the stinky cheese (they just eat it). She's so pooped she sleeps through ballet class. Next, she makes every trap in her monster book, and that tuckers her out to such an extent that she's already snoring when the monsters arrive the next night. She wakes groggily from a dream of kissing puppies and accidentally kisses a monster on the schnozzlethus discovering every monster's weakness. Now she dismisses each monster with a kiss and sleeps very well every night. Fredrickson's jauntily rhyming tale of brave, African-American Winifred is an excellent balm to monster fears. Robertson's googly-eyed monsters of all shapes and sizes are cartoon-adorable, with just a hint of toothy, clawed ferocity. A brightly colored monster tale that begs to be animated. Repeat readings required. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
