Monster Motel

by Douglas Florian

Step inside the Monster Motel, where mostly monstrous monsters dwell. But be careful, you may find yourself having so much fun you’ll never . . . ever . . . come . . . out! These original poems of endearing monsters and their hilarious antics will have children and adults howling for more. "An excellent choice for youngsters who beg for something scary."--Booklist

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Humor, Monsters, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Monster Motel, Douglas Florian has done a magnificent job at creating a world that is of the unknown. A popular children's author, he is in touch with his inner child, as seen in his way of poetry and language weaving. A series of poems introducing the weird, the obscured, and the otherworldly visitors of Monster Hotel. From the largest of large to the smallest of small to the most horrible looking creatures to the cutest of all, Douglas Florian has outdone himself. With vivid imagery, fun and silly language, and even the rhythmic beats of his words, it gives a sense of appeal to his readers. The book would be a wonderful read as its theme is both frightening and scary, a great read that kids would surely enjoy the theme of it. The numerous poems in the story have a variety of creatures to show and tell. This could be a great exemplar to be used for lessons on poetry and rhythmic pattern building.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun, and my 9yo adores this volume and all the other Douglas Florian we have read.

[Paul Large · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary poems are exactly what the reader will get when they open the door to the Monster Motel. The effectiveness of Douglas Florian in scaring the young reader is great. I believe that this book would be great to read as a scary story right before Halloween maybe at a Halloween party. The many poems in the story were about many different types of creatures. This could also be used in a lesson on poems as an example of what poems should look and read like. This was a great example of how poetry can also be funny because his poetry will sure to have the children giggling for more! This book should be read to all children if not to scare them for the humor that is in the writing! Bring this book home or to your classroom soon!

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite collection. I definitely enjoyed omnibeasts: animal poems and paintings better. The illustrations were better in that book and these poems reminded me too much of Jack Prelutsky. Fun poems, but not my favorite.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked out Monster Motel by Douglas Florian thinking my son would enjoy it. It's a poetry book featuring monsters, ghosts and other creepy crawlies. My son though, wanted no part of the book.

The poems are cute but not especially memorable. The monsters aren't very scary and the emphasis seems to be on humor. For me the humor didn't hit the mark.

[Cindy Pardew]

The Purple Po and The Crim

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many characteristics of monsters. Most young children just love hearing about monster stories. I will use this book for after school read aloud when children wait for school bus call.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the poem about the Purple Po the best. It has a fun ending.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but not as good as some of his others.