THE ONLY MONSTER

Being an only child can feel lonely.

In Bonglibod, a land inhabited by endearing monsters, lives a loving family consisting of a dad, mom, and a child. On photo day at school, everyone shows up looking picture-perfect: with messed-up hair, unbrushed teeth, and “bogies” in their noses! After individual pictures are taken, the students pose for “brother-sister photographs”—everyone except our protagonist. She’s heartbroken at missing out. Dad can’t help noticing his little one’s sadness as he walks her home after school. She replies that their family is “odd”; other families have many kids, but theirs has only one. Daddy thinks before answering, then responds that families should be measured by love instead of numbers. In fact, their family is “bigger than the Earth, the moon, the sky, and stars above!” Joined by Mom, Dad adds, “You’re MONSTER PERFECT to your monster mom and me.” Dad also reminds his daughter that in their large, loving community, one’s “never short of family when / you’re blessed with such good friends.” This winning tale, told in sometimes awkward verse, nevertheless offers “onlies” some much-needed reassurance that families come in all sizes. Kids will giggle at the riotous monster names and at the comical digital illustrations, filled with adorably kooky, wide-eyed creatures.

Quirky yet warmhearted fun.