Monster Mischief

by Pamela Jane, Vera Rosenberry (Illustrator)

It's Halloween and five monsters are brewing a savory Halloween stew. Each monster adds something special to the mixture -- a juicy frog, a bat, a hairy spider. But when the littlest monster gets too curious and tips over the pot, the stew runs away! Little Moe is inconsolable (and very hungry!) until a knock on the door brings an unexpected guest -- and a big Halloween surprise. With rollicking rhyme and glowing watercolors, Pamela Jane and Vera Rosenberry serve up a tasty holiday treat for readers of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Monsters, Storytime, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Pamela Jane is the author of thirty children’s books including C JUMPED OVER THREE POTS AND A PAN, TRUCKS ZOOMING BY, LITTLE GOBLINS TEN (Harper) and LITTLE ELFIE ONE. Her memoir, AN INCREDIBLE TALENT FOR EXISTING: A WRITER’S STORY, is a personal, psychological, and political adventure from the 60s. Pamela's essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The NY Daily News, Writer's Digest, and The Writer, among other places. and The New York Times Sunday Book Review.

Reviews

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent meter.

[Emily Bily · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was kind of all over the place with an erratic writing style.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book about sharing food with friends! The stew preparations are bamboozled, but a pleasant surprise shows up in the end!

[Alicia Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several monsters are making monster stew out of the various things in their home and some creatures that they pick up along the way. When the littlest monster accidentally topples the whole thing over, whatever will they do?! This is definitely a fun story for Halloween and--if you have a reader like I was as a child--any time of the year. Each monster is unique and not too scary for young readers and the rhymes will add another layer of fun. Very cute.

[Rebecca Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five monsters are stirring up some mischief and making a monster stew for Halloween. Each monster adds something unique – sometimes creepy, and always crawly. When it’s Little Moe’s turn, he accidentally spills the stew and all the ingredients escape! Lucky for these hungry monsters, someone unexpected shows up with something new to eat. A cute little story about celebrating with friends, eating too much candy, and the trouble with using frogs in your cooking.

[Jennybug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So cute, great for doing different voices. Wonderful rhyming! This book got mixed up with the Christmas books. It was fun to have a little Halloween right before Christmas. I read it with Boston, who loves Spooky books.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monsters gather on Halloween to make a stew. Sadly their ingredients run away. They are sad until a friend appears with a new treat.

[Phyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming text. Funny storyline. Great for themes of monsters or Halloween.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Their monster stew was not very creative, but the illustrations were cute.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monsters gather to have some stew. Cute Halloween story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for Halloween or monster storytime.