The Monster from Underground

by Gillian Cross

Bernie Wilson hates writing. So he isn't thrilled when his teacher tells him to keep a nature diary -- especially when the bossy girl next door makes fun of his ideas. But one night he makes some fantastic discoveries and his diary becomes more interesting than anyone could have imagined.

Yellow Bananas are captivating chapter books designed to help young readers make the transition from storybooks to text-based books. The next level up from Blue Bananas, each book features short chapters, engaging full-color illustrations, and a strong story about interesting characters. As their reading abilities develop, kids will want to make the jump from Blue to Yellow Bananas!

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Gillian Cross was born Gillian Arnold in 1945. She was educated at North London Collegiate School, Somerville College, Oxford and the University of Sussex. Although now a full-time writer who often travels and gives talks in connection with her work, she has had a number of informal jobs including being an assistant to a Member of Parliament. For eight years she also sat on the committee which advises ministers about public libraries.

She is married to Martin Cross and they have four grown-up children, two sons and two daughters.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is an exciting and adventurous read as it keeps the reader in suspense up until the very end. This story is about a brilliant and wonderful young man named Bomber Wilson who had every toy and gadget any boy would want except that he absolutely detested writing! He dreaded writing and hated when his teacher Mrs Evans made him use his pen as not only did his hand ache so did his head! Unfortunately for Bomber, Mrs Evans suggested that each student choose something in nature to watch for a week. Bomber was horrified that he had to write for a whole week.

Although Bomber was distraught his classmate and very annoying neighbour Harriet was thrilled and had already thought of a brilliant project. Bomber was the only one who hadn’t an idea so Mrs Evans suggested he start looking around him more. On the way home he notices road works and is intrigued by the different layering of the rocks. Harriet finds him and begins to mock him for his choice of project. However Bomber cleverly finds a way to avoid Harriet’s mocking glances and get to choose an interesting project by doing his observations by night. The excitement starts when Bomber discovers three huge eggs in the annoying Harriet’s garden. Bomber is rewarded at the end of the book for his bravery and excellent observations when he wins the prize for the best project in the whole school.

This story is similar to other works by Gillian Cross and includes many subtle issues such as lack of confidence in academic skills, self doubt, and friendship issues while also exploring the excitement of discovery. This book would be suitable for KS 1 for independent reading, oral stories or creative writing. The characters and illustrations are humorous and you can easily relate to the main character. The style of language is direct and the narrator gives no secrets away until the very end. It is a good starter book for reluctant readers as it is easy to read and difficult to put down.

[Chelsea Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for boys who don't love to read. It is short and has color pictures on every page. It is a simple story that has some mystery and guessing in it.