Elmer and the Monster

August 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-While on his morning walk, everyone's favorite patchwork pachyderm hears a terrible roar and is warned by his frightened friends that there is a monster on the loose. Elmer, however, is unflappable and persists in his walk. He encouners a new creature and asks him if he also hears the roars. Bloo-Bloo confesses that he is making that noise because he keeps hearing monsters and is scared. Elmer takes Bloo-Bloo to meet his friends, and they all realize how silly they've been. McKee's brightly colored illustrations and expressive animals will catch the attention of children. The repetition of Elmer being warned by different friends helps to build the tension and excitement until the "monster" is revealed. This story would make a good read-aloud. The message that things may not be as scary as they seem is perfect for all children, and Elmer's bravery is commendable. Pair this book with Paul Hoppe's The Woods (Chronicle, 2011) and Ed Emberley's Go Away, Big Green Monster! (Little, Brown, 1992) for an empowering storytime.-Emily E. Lazio, The Smithtown Special Library District, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
Patchwork elephant Elmer and his jungle-animal friends star in two tepid stories. In Butterfly, Elmer comes to Butterfly's rescue but doubts the small insect's ability to return the favor. In Monster, as all the animals run away from a scary sound, Elmer calmly walks toward it, eventually finding a very scared little monster. McKee's bright illustrations will attract readers.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)