How to Comfort a Monster

PreS-Gr 2–A book about a huge monster, a little child, and feelings that are just too big to ignore. A child wakes to the wailing, enormous monster outside their room and seeks to help in whatever way they can: a hug, a hand to hold, or even a hanky to wipe away tears, but nothing seems to soothe the beast. Cederstrang offers a modern fable that highlights the force of friendship and the importance of allowing space for big emotions. Brought to life by Dackenberg’s watercolor illustrations, the skillful use of perspective maximizes the monster’s presence on the page, creating a physical representation of the enormity of grief and the powerlessness of the young protagonist. While to some, it may seem as if the story continues beyond its natural conclusion, extra pages are easily forgiven due to the reminder to readers that sometimes simply being present for a friend in need is more than enough.