Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The creators of the Little Monster series send the title character trick-or-treating on his first Halloween in this rhyming tale. Much of the humor derives from Leick's jaunty watercolors, in which paws, clawed feet, and fangs protrude from the already outlandish young monsters' elaborate costumes. Little Monster warily peers out the window as a parent urges him to get ready: "It's here, Little Monster!/ Almost time to go out./ Hurry! Get dressed!/ There are creatures about." When the two head outdoors, Little Monster (with oversize ears poking out from a green Martian costume) looks dubious when reassured that a trick-or-treater isn't really a ghost, but "a kid in a sheet." The frights and assurances continue until a cemetery romp suddenly turns the tables on father-son fright quotients, making for a sweet but sudden conclusion. Ages 3--7. (July)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Little Monster is getting ready to experience his first trick-or-treat expedition, and he's feeling a little anxious. But his papa comes with him and reassures him that there is nothing to be afraid of. Gradually, Little Monster begins to appear less anxious and encouraged that everything is all right. In a charming final twist, the roles are reversed, as Little Monster is the one with the comforting smile when his father is frightened by a skeleton. Charming full-bleed watercolor illustrations featuring cheerful zombies, ghouls, and an assortment of adorable monsters combine with comforting rhyming text to create a playful Halloween outing that is sure to please little monsters everywhere. VERDICT Recommended for collections and perfect for seasonal storytime.--Jessica Marie, Salem P.L., OR
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
It can be a spooky thrill to go trick-or-treating for the first time. Little Monster is excited to experience this Halloween rite of passage; the green Martian costume fits perfectly. Yet, as Little Monster and Papa venture out, the young one is leery. Scary things are all around: a pirate, witch, and ghost. On Little Monster's street, it's less the costumes than the wearers that look strange, given that residents are monsters themselves, albeit cute, smiling ones with big eyes. As they walk about, Little Monster begins to feel braver with Papa's help. The pair's final stop--a scary house with a graveyard for a front lawn--ushers in a surprise ending. This cute addition to the holiday shelf is by the creators of Go to School, Little Monster (2015) and the third in the Little Monster series. Told in rollicking rhymes, the story delivers humorous, not-too-scary chills for the youngest readers. The portrayal of a warm, patient relationship between child and father is welcome, as is the sight of a parent accompanying a child on nighttime trick-or-treating rounds, not universally presented in Halloween books. The delightful, expressive, atmospheric illustrations depict adorable, multicolored monsters--it's definitely a diverse neighborhood. Winsome, lavender Little Monster, befanged, wide-eyed, noseless, and bearing a spearlike tail, subs for kids who anticipate and feel wary on their own first Halloween forays. Papa is blue and also has large eyes, fangs, a tail, and no nose. Treat little ones to this sweet, entertaining holiday story. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
