'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 13 October 2012

Review: Max Meets a Monster

Little Max is so excited. He's jumping around his room like a jellybean. Why? Because he's going to Grandpa's house for his first ever sleepover.

Sleeping at Grandpa's house is wonderful because Grandpa cooks a delicious dinner, then allows Max three scoops of ice cream for dessert!

When it's time for bed, Max puts his torch near his pillow and snuggles up with Old Ted for a good night's sleep.

Eeemmmppphhhg! snarg! snaghhmph!

Max is woken by a horrible noise! Terrified, he goes hunting through the house (most bravely, I might add!) in search of the source of these monstery sounds.

As he searches under the bed, in the bathroom, down the hall, strange 'monsters' appear in the shadows on the walls, in the clothing, in the tap fixtures on the bath - just as they did in 'real' life, when we were small. Brave Max continues on, undaunted, in search of the ghastly noise - and you will never guess where it's coming from!

This is a charming, heart-warming book that children will absolutely relate to. Author Tracey Hawkins uses a perfectly-timed voice and builds the tension beautifully as Max creeps through the darkened house, his heart going thumpty, thumpty, in search of a rather spine-tingling creature.

Chantal Stewart's clever illustrations lend both an essential creepiness and cartoonish warmth that will have children entranced right to the very end - and the big reveal!

Fantastic for bedtime reading, and reminding kids of the age-old refrain . . . monsters? There's no such thing.

Title: Max Meets a Monster
Author: Tracey Hawkins
Illustrator: Chantal Stewart
Publisher: New Frontier, $14.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 February 2008
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781921042072
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book