MONSTERS GO

A look at various modes of transportation.

Few board books ask the really important questions, like “When monsters have places to get to, how do they like to go?” It’s a nuanced one, because readers aren’t learning how they go; they’re learning how they like to go. (Caregivers, take note: It’s a subtle but important distinction!) Each monster has an alliterative preferred means of travel. “Skeeter speeds by scooter.” “Willa likes to walk.” Even two tiny tots follow the pattern: “Debbie and Steffi go by double stroller.” Caregivers will love the gentle phonetic introductions and the mix of names for the monsters. Readers will delight in the fun sounds and introductions to new words, concepts, and scenarios: “Zebedee goes by zip line, and Danni is delivered with dinner” (this last one is accompanied by a green creature nestled in a pizza box). Children will also enjoy the soft palette and fuzzy lines of the silkscreen illustrations that create each unusual and highly expressive monster. The mixture of traditional and fantastical travel methods skillfully introduces a bevy of vocabulary. Savvy caregivers will also appreciate the imaginative conversations that this story opens, and the sturdy board-book design means that it will be around for many rereads as toddlers consider how they would like to travel.

These monsters will happily take you places!