Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The menu (cheesy mac) and guest list ("NO HUMANS! OR ELSE!") are set for a monsters-only bash, and Parr introduces a cheery, Halloween-flavored cast of revelers for the occasion. From bat to zombie, each monster arrives with a devilishly out-there mac-and-cheese variation: a witch brings "glow-in-the-dark mac with snakes and furballs," and a mummy shuffles in toting "mummy mac with eyeballs." Funny asides ("How does a sea monster eat macaroni and cheese? How? How? How?") and fourth wall--breaking bits serve to tickle kids' taste buds as well as their sense of humor. A pair of surprise party crashers round out an enjoyable repast that's shown in the creator's signature blend of bold hues and black outlines. Recipes conclude. Ages 4--8. (June)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--A green-faced zombie receives a computer invitation to the Monster Mac and Cheese Party, with a warning that "No Humans [are] Allowed" because human mac and cheese is boring. Many monsters arrive at the party, each with a version of the classic dish. The witch's glow-in-the dark version contains snakes and furballs, the werewolves bring "howling macaroni and cheese with bones," the mummy comes bearing "mac with eyeballs." The appearance of humans with boxed mac and cheese briefly upsets the monsters, but they declare they "love humans" despite their inferior pasta (though it is unclear whether the monsters are going to eat mac and cheese with humans or eat mac and cheese with humans at the end). The final two pages feature the author's note that sharing and trying new things with friends is fun and include his favorite recipes for regular and vegan mac and cheese. Parr's bold idiosyncratic style supplies bright colors and silly details that will surely elicit grossed out giggles from young readers. VERDICT Though the author's positive message feels tacked on, this is a sufficiently entertaining story for fans of Parr, monsters, and mac and cheese.--Yelena Voysey
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Step into the monstrous, cheesy fun with an invitation to, you guessed it, a monster mac and cheese party with "no humans allowed." Parr keeps listeners involved with direct questions and choices -- they get to decide what dish they would bring, and whether they would eat some of the monsters' creations. (Mac and cheese with stinky socks, anyone?) Finally, two humans arrive with their own (boxed!) contribution, and the monsters agree to let them join. Parr's signature bold lines and bright colors keep viewers' eyes wide and their minds engaged as he creates a lively book with a strong message: in the end, everyone is welcome. Two of his favorite recipes are included in the back matter. Karina JhaSeptember/October 2023 p.28 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Come to a mac-and-cheese party. Readers are all invited…that is, if they are monsters. No humans are allowed at this celebration, hosted by a bright green, one-eyed, three-toothed fuzzy monster. All the guests bring their own special mac and cheese. Bat brings bat "mac 'n' bugs." The witch brings "glow-in-the-dark mac with snakes and furballs." The zombie brings "mud mac with fingers." Readers are asked what kind of mac and cheese they would bring--would their dishes be seasoned with stinky socks, unicorns, or hot dogs? Strategic page turns add suspense as kids are asked to ponder what the spider and the mummy have brought. After all the monsters have arrived, the doorbell rings. It's two humans (one with purplish skin, one with yellow skin) who have brought their favorite mac and cheese--gasp!--from the box. Despite this faux pas, the monsters and humans happily share a mac-and-cheese meal and remind readers that trying new foods and making new friends are fun. The book's goofy, childlike, digitally created images are set against bright contrasting backgrounds. Thick black lines and neon colors make for a zany tale, perfect for group read-alouds. Parr keeps the laughs coming fast and furious. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Monster lovers and mac-and-cheese connoisseurs are sure to eat this one up. (two recipes for mac and cheese) (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
