Written by Brian Castleforte
Published by Workman, 2010
ISBN 9780761158820

My husband opened this book and immediately wanted to start making monsters. They’re irresistible. On perforated paper that’s just the right weight for folding and standing, the tabs are clearly marked, and numbers tell you which operation to do in which order.

Best of all, whether it’s The X from Outer Space, Zwart, Wingy Wingy, Evil Icy, Rottenbottom, or OctoPup, there’s a monster for every imagination.

Now, just between you and me, there’s a lot of learning packed into these pages: spatial relationships, following instructions, and the thoughtful pages at the end of the book that allow you (oh, I mean your child) to imagine and color your own.

Particularly germaine to our interests, there’s a well-written, short story accompanying each monster, written with accessible language. The stories serve as a springboard for longer stories, good examples of short-short stories, and descriptive paragraphs.

I defy anyone to pick up this book without having it fire up your imagination. Think what it will do for your students or your favorite young person.

—Vicki Palmquist, children’s literature enthusiast