Review: Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Kelly Murphy. 2011. 32 pgs. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 9780763642013. Format reviewed: Hardcover.

Annotation: Follow the actions of monsters throughout the day, from morning to bedtime.

Reaction: Although described as a “lullaby”, this is a verb book- showing monsters romping, running, playing, chasing, and eating. The illustrations are clean and colorful, and the influence of Monsters, Inc. is obvious in the designs. A quick read with pleasing visuals.

Primary early literacy skill enhanced: Vocabulary. Uses words including creep, crawl, stumble, tumble, slither, and gurgle. Also uses rhyme, follows the ABCB pattern.

Recommended ages: Ages 3 and up.

Tags/Themes: Monsters, Action Verbs.

Author site/additional titles: http://janeyolen.com

Illustrator site/additional titles: http://www.kelmurphy.com/