THE MONSTER MAC AND CHEESE PARTY

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.