FICTION

What Makes a Monster?: Discovering the World's Scariest Creatures

by Jess KEATING
illus. by David DeGrand. 40p. glossary. photos. Knopf. Aug. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780553512304.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1–4—Keating and DeGrand (Pink Is for Blobfish) have teamed up again to deliver more wacky animal facts. This time around, Keating warns readers about 17 monsters with cautionary advice ranging from "don't dine with the vampire bat" to "look out for the Humboldt squid." The creatures include the death stalker scorpion, with its predatory pincers and stinging tail, and the Komodo dragon, with its toxic proteins. The final creature is man. Bright photos and bold cartoon illustrations make the scary beasts seem less intimidating. On each spread, two paragraphs explain why the animal is so threatening, and a sidebar highlights general information. Readers are invited to see how creatures from the book compare with famous monsters and to decide for themselves what qualifies as monstrous.
VERDICT A great addition for collections where horror and animal fans dominate.
Reviewed by Emily Bayci, Naperville Public Library-Naper Boulevard Library, IL
This tongue-in-cheek yet informative survey examines a diverse range of "scary" creatures, from scorpions and sharks to fungi and humans. Each entry provides a brief description, a sidebar of basic facts, a close-up photograph in the wild, and a cartoon illustration. The spooky theme dramatizes a thoughtful look at how these species' frightening qualities help ensure their survival. Discussion questions are included. Glos.
 , Jul 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Afro Unicorn: A Magical Parade
by Showers, April
BOOKS

Grumpy Monkey: Too Many Bugs
by Lang, Suzanne
BOOKS

Winnie-the-Pooh
by Dandro, Travis & A.A. Milne
BOOKS

Makeda Makes a Home for Subway
by Rhuday-Perkovich, Olugbemisola
BOOKS

Tiny Tales: Firefly Night
by Waldo, Steph
BOOKS

I See a Rat
by Meisel, Paul
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?