Monster School: First Day Frights

by Dave Keane

Norm is perfectly normal. That is, until he finds himself at a new school full of monsters. Without fangs, horns, or a tail, suddenly Norm has become the odd one out. But as the day goes on, Norm's unusual classmates find that Norm isn't too unlike them after all, and Norm thinks he may actually fit right in.

Monster School: First Day Frights is the perfect book for any beginning reader who has ever felt a little bit different. Learn to read with Norm, Hilda, and the whole beastly crew at Monster School!

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens, Back To School, Fiction, Humor, School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

After spending so much time reading books to my three kids, I decided I'd try my hand at children's books. It's been a blast. I've visited schools all over the country. I've talked to thousands of kids about writing, illustrating, and using your imagination. And I've received tons of incredible letters and emails from parents, kids and teachers from just about everywhere.

I am the author of the Joe Sherlock: Kid Detective series and the Monster School: I Can Read series. My picture books include Sloppy Joe, Bobby Bramble Loses His Brain and Daddy Adventure Day. Next year, Knopf/Random House is releasing my new picture book, Who Wants a Tortoise?, illustrated by K. G. Campbell. Stay up on it all at my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mrdavekeane

Reviews

[Ollie Skyba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't understand why the boy ended up in a school among monsters... but the main idea is as clear as day. Even if you don't feel at home among the "abnormal", think about it, you are certainly "abnormal" in some way.

[Kindra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where being not-normal is normal

This book had a good message about being different. The kids whom I read to were ranging in age from 5-7, all enjoyed it.

[Eadie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a Halloween reading contest. It's a perfect book for any beginning reader who has ever felt a little bit different.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read about first day of school jitters. Great illustrations and moral to the story. :)

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

[BOOK: Monster School: First Day Frights] by Dave Keane is the tale of perfectly normal young Norm, who suddenly finds himself going to a school full of monsters.

Keane's cartoony illustrations are bright and feature a variety of not too scary monsters, many with somewhat oversized heads. I particularly enjoyed the drawings of the headless principal, Miss Clops, Frankie, Gary, and the boy with multiple eyeballs.

The humor in this story about feeling different is definitely enhanced by the illustrations. I think kids will enjoy the story, which I rate three stars.

For beginning readers, school, monsters, differences, and fans of Dave Keane.

[Joleene Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norm is an everyday kid who you would expect to blend right in with his school. But that's not the case when he has his first day of school at monster school. He doesn't have fangs, horns or a tail like the other students and he feels like he doesn't fit in.

Best Line-
"It is normal to feel odd on your first day," said the headless principal.

Lesson Ideas- feeling different, first day of school anxiety

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a "Reading With Help Level 2" meaning an engaging story with longer sentences and language play for developing readers.

Excerpt from the book:
Norm was the most regular kid you could ever hope to meet.
Norm did not have horns.
He had no fangs or claws.
He did not have a tail.
Norm was simply normal.
But on Norm's first day at his new school,
Norm felt very strange.

[Brian Barlics · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for early readers. The story is cute and the illustrations are simple and really help support the story. I look forward the the next book in this series due out soon and recommend this book for the early reader.

[Mylinh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Larry Monsters!

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, easy reader about an apprehensive young man on his first day in a new school

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can hear the squeals of "Ewww, gross" now! Great read-aloud to kids 4-7.

publisher's Level 2 reader

Booklegger, K/1

[Syl Sora · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was kind of fun when Norman didn't know if his cyclops teacher was winking or blinking.