ALPHONSE, YOU'RE RUINING THE SHOW!

Preschool monster twins devise a play in this latest series entry.

As they prepare for an overnight visit with Granny, siblings Natalie (who’s red) and Alphonse (who’s blue) each pack the necessities. After a rainy walk to Granny’s with their parents, the youngsters greet the treasure box, funny clock, and “bump bump bump bump stairs” they so love. Mom and Dad say goodbye so they can have a night at the theater. The siblings initially feel left out until Natalie gets the bright idea to collaborate with Alphonse on their own DIY show. Alphonse is skeptical at first, but the promise of yogurt with sprinkles at intermission seals the deal. Relying on various household objects, the duo assume the roles of Little Lost Bear and All the Frogs and practice and practice. But rehearsal doesn’t go according to plan, and sibling spats ensue. With Granny’s encouragement, they decide to wait until tomorrow so Mom and Dad can see the show, too. Surprise, surprise: Rest and a larger audience make the performance a smashing success! Hirst’s trademark bold, screen-printed illustrations accentuate this child-friendly tale. Comic panels cleverly abridge the rehearsal process into spot-on dialogue, allowing the siblings’ personalities—and disagreements—to hilariously shine through. As an added touch, endpapers depict hand-drawn posters that suggest the siblings have produced many plays since.

A creative ode to imaginative play with familiar characters.