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Crankenstein
Crankenstein
The perfect cure for a cranky kid, illustrated by the #1 New York Times bestselling and Caldecott-winning artist, Dan Santat.BEWARE OF CRANKENSTEIN! He's a little monster of crankiness that no one can destroy! MEHHRRRR!!! He may look like any ordinary boy, but when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or an early bedtime, one little boy transforms into a mumbling, grumbling Crankenstein. When Crankenstein meets his match in a fellow Crankenstein, the results could be catastrophic--or they could be just what he needs to brighten his day! This hilarious and relatable tale of grumpiness gone awry will turn toddler tantrums to giggles in no time.Don't miss the sequel, ACrankenstein Valentine!
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2013
20 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
September 24, 2019
Crankenstein is a grumpy little boy when things aren’t good. I think this story is very funny. I think the point is we can all have a little Crankenstein inside us. I know I have a little in me now and again. My niece and nephew can certainly have Crankenstein in them too.
I do love Dan’s artwork. He has a bright colorful style. I have read the 2nd book of this series and now I have read the original.
The nephew thought this was a funny book. He recognized that he too can be a Crankenstein. (He could do that because he’s not one now.) He loved the green looking boy and he wondered if he could be that for Halloween. I told him he’s that every day of the year, be something different for Halloween. (He’s going as Ron Weasley anyway. He wants to ‘paint’ his hair red.) He missed the joke. He gave this 4 stars.
I do love Dan’s artwork. He has a bright colorful style. I have read the 2nd book of this series and now I have read the original.
The nephew thought this was a funny book. He recognized that he too can be a Crankenstein. (He could do that because he’s not one now.) He loved the green looking boy and he wondered if he could be that for Halloween. I told him he’s that every day of the year, be something different for Halloween. (He’s going as Ron Weasley anyway. He wants to ‘paint’ his hair red.) He missed the joke. He gave this 4 stars.
September 26, 2013
”MEHHRRRR!!!”
It’s alive! Aliiiive! Hehe…And boy is he grumpy. The grumpiness, hassles, and mishaps in life can cause grumbles and “grrr”s galore. But what can turn a sweet hearted boy into a monster? Into Crankenstein?
"When it’s extra cold on Halloween…or when it’s WAY too hot for popsicles.”
We all have our monster moments. We just have to remember to laugh and smile. Laughter is the quickest way to tame the monster in all of us. :)
My big thumping love for this book though lives in the art. Every picture pulled a smile, gasp, or giggle out of me. BIG pages with in your face colors, words, snarls, and smiles. Everything felt so close and alive—in the room with me. The drool, snot, and glares popped right off the page! I loved flipping through this book. I hit the end and started all over again.
Highly recommended for any and all monsters out there.
p.s. Page 4 is me in the morning. Ahhhh, the light! Turn it off, turn it off! :D
October 31, 2019
My daughter picked this one up at a used bookstore and loves it, which is appropriate because she can be a little "Crankenstein" herself sometimes. To be fair, all parents will see Crankenstein in their own children sometimes, which is why Samantha Berger's funny kid's book about grumpy guses and gillies will probably resonate more for parents than it will for kids.
Kids don't have a problem throwing hissy fits and temper tantrums. It's the parents that have the problem. Kids, universally, will moan and growl when they are told to go to bed or forced to swallow cough medicine or when they break their favorite toy. Calming the beast is the real trick.
I can usually stop my daughter's temper tantrum in its tracks by imitating her. The minute she starts squealing and kicking and rolling on the floor, I'm down on the floor with her, doing the same thing. Nine times out of ten, this gets her giggling and controllable.
That once out of ten times doesn't work, though. That's when I break out the pitchforks and fire.*
*(Just to be clear: that was sarcasm and not meant to be taken seriously...)
Kids don't have a problem throwing hissy fits and temper tantrums. It's the parents that have the problem. Kids, universally, will moan and growl when they are told to go to bed or forced to swallow cough medicine or when they break their favorite toy. Calming the beast is the real trick.
I can usually stop my daughter's temper tantrum in its tracks by imitating her. The minute she starts squealing and kicking and rolling on the floor, I'm down on the floor with her, doing the same thing. Nine times out of ten, this gets her giggling and controllable.
That once out of ten times doesn't work, though. That's when I break out the pitchforks and fire.*
*(Just to be clear: that was sarcasm and not meant to be taken seriously...)
November 18, 2017
7 year old niece LOVED this book! She can read it easily and read it twice to her little brother. She took it to bed and slept with it under her pillow. I thought it was really weird. There aren't many words and there isn't really a plot. It does seem like a funny way to talk to kids about their feelings -when they're mad or tired they're Crankenstein! The pictures are dark and fit the mood of the story.
March 6, 2017
Books that take a difficult behavior then aggrandize and make it somehow workable....well....I enjoy finding the good ones. Illustrations are perfect. If you like this sort of thing consider taking a look at Spinky Sulks by William Steig.
December 30, 2013
Who isn't a little Crankenstein from time to time?
September 13, 2013
Crankenstein will appeal to any child because they will be able to relate to the protagonist’s feelings as things go wrong and keep on going wrong for the poor little Crankenstein. The typography is appropriate and matches the emotions – happy sentences are told in bright, rainbow coloured letters, which are sprightly and fresh while the Crankenstein’s “Mehhrrr” is told in big chunky putrid colours that leave no uncertainty about Crankenstein’s state of mind.
The picturebook will afford lots of fun as parents/guardians read and have the children act out Crankenstein’s groans and moans in most mournful or dismal voices. Then there can be conversations about what turns the children into Crankensteins which could lead to more rereading. Also wonderful is that one turn in plot when the Crankenstein becomes a normal little boy illustrating to the child reader the origin of the Crankenstein and by doing so, creating a segue to discussion about what turns a normal boy or girl into a Crankenstein.
The illustrations are amazing and the writing is spot on. I recommend this to anyone who has a child at home. This would be especially great if your kid has had a bad day. This little book will create a great opportunity for the child to release some stress in a benign manner. Strongly recommended.
The picturebook will afford lots of fun as parents/guardians read and have the children act out Crankenstein’s groans and moans in most mournful or dismal voices. Then there can be conversations about what turns the children into Crankensteins which could lead to more rereading. Also wonderful is that one turn in plot when the Crankenstein becomes a normal little boy illustrating to the child reader the origin of the Crankenstein and by doing so, creating a segue to discussion about what turns a normal boy or girl into a Crankenstein.
The illustrations are amazing and the writing is spot on. I recommend this to anyone who has a child at home. This would be especially great if your kid has had a bad day. This little book will create a great opportunity for the child to release some stress in a benign manner. Strongly recommended.
October 19, 2013
Even the most normal boys can turn into monsters when faced with a series of unfortunate events such as being offered pancakes when there's no more syrup, on a very rainy day, or on a particularly cold Halloween night. The author humorously warns readers to stay away from Crankenstein since he can only be tamed by another monster just like him. The digital illustrations and the text are lively and engaging and will make readers smile since just about all of us can turn into a Crankenstein at some point in our lives.
July 10, 2014
What a great little book! This would be perfect to talk about feelings in a humorous way. Children will definitely be able to connect to the frustrations this character is dealing with in his day. We all have these sorts of days when everything just seems to go wrong. This book could lead to wonderful discussions about ways we can deal with our anger without lashing out at others. Plus, the illustrations are hysterical, so super engaging and enjoyable for children.
September 14, 2013
The new hit book at my library. Our main character wakes up in the morning and he is awfully cranky. So cranky that he is, we learn, Crankenstein. Cranky about everything. Cranky, cranky, cranky.
You will love the resolution of this story. Perfect pacing, great illustrations, and just the kind of ending every teacher and parent and child will love.
You will love the resolution of this story. Perfect pacing, great illustrations, and just the kind of ending every teacher and parent and child will love.
February 8, 2017
Since we had been testing (day 2 of 3), we needed a fun read aloud. Luckily, in each class I had a student that read it aloud which made everyone laugh due to their style on Crankenstein. All of us could relate on being cranky, but there are days where we don't want to be cranky. Sometimes a friends and some sunshine is all that is needed.
March 2, 2017
This HAD to be written by a parent! Time for school? Merrrrhhhhh. Melting Popsicle on a hot day? Merrrhhh. Time for bed in the middle of your movie or coldest Halloween ever and you get a mint? Merrrrrhhhh. A boy turns into Crankenstein when things don't go his way, until he meets another Crankenstein. This is bound to be a favorite of kids and Crankensteins of all ages.
February 1, 2013
Full Review to Come...
Short and Sweet: Love this fun take on kids being cranky. Perfect for that cranky kid who seems to wake up on the wrong side of the bed frequently. Dan Santat's illustrations are a perfect combination.
Short and Sweet: Love this fun take on kids being cranky. Perfect for that cranky kid who seems to wake up on the wrong side of the bed frequently. Dan Santat's illustrations are a perfect combination.
August 8, 2014
Would work well with elementary school kids but not with very young listeners. It would pair well with other books about being cranky or having a bad day. I'm not crazy about this one but like I said, it would work well as part of a storytime or school visit theme on cranky moods.
June 29, 2017
I saw this was illustrated by Dan Santat and had to check it out! Such a cute story... everyone kid (and grown up) has been a Crankenstein at some time or another. I love Dan's art work, and Samantha's story is very cute.
January 1, 2017
Cute book. Cute way to talk with kids about their emotions.
August 12, 2017
All cranky kids goes like MEHHHRRRRR !!! :D
January 2, 2018
We all get the crankypants! This book shows signs of its appearance and how to diffuse them.
January 6, 2018
Little 3 loved this and did all the sound effects.
January 6, 2019
I absolutely loved this book!! I mean I work in a school and this could apply to all the kids and even the staff that works in schools too!!
Read
January 16, 2019My son has agreed to let me call him "Alexstain"!
March 2, 2019
Un livre intéressant qui peut être utilisé pour aborder le thème de la colère avec les enfants. Il existe d’ailleurs des documents (voir Mme Marie-Julie et les créations de Stéphanie sur Google) pour accompagner la lecture et aider les enfants, entre autres, à identifier les signes physiques de la colère dans leur corps.
October 18, 2023
Loved it! It's simple but so much fun. Having such interactive grunts and groans created a lovely way to really act out the book while reading it. My son got really engaged due to this (hes 2.5) and the illustrations grabbed us both immediately. I definitely recommend it.
December 2, 2017
When things go wrong kids can get a little cranky and even turn into a Crankenstein!
This story is not meant to be scary but simply states that sometimes we can wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Or perhaps breakfast isn’t exactly as tasty as we would like it. Long lines and taking medicine are on the top of the list if you want to see a Crankenstein. Bad weather, broken toys are a few more things that can bring on the crank. But what happens when two Crankensteins meet? You’ll have to read the book to see whether or not there will be mayhem.
Author Samantha Berger and illustrator Dan Santat share a simple story of emotions and what can cause kids to be a little cranky. Bold illustrations that provide so much humor to a not so funny mood will engage children and present an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss each image and share how kids can calm the Crankenstein whithin themselves.
This story is not meant to be scary but simply states that sometimes we can wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Or perhaps breakfast isn’t exactly as tasty as we would like it. Long lines and taking medicine are on the top of the list if you want to see a Crankenstein. Bad weather, broken toys are a few more things that can bring on the crank. But what happens when two Crankensteins meet? You’ll have to read the book to see whether or not there will be mayhem.
Author Samantha Berger and illustrator Dan Santat share a simple story of emotions and what can cause kids to be a little cranky. Bold illustrations that provide so much humor to a not so funny mood will engage children and present an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss each image and share how kids can calm the Crankenstein whithin themselves.
October 3, 2017
This book isn't as scary as it looks, fortunately for my son, who was a bit apprehensive at the cover. It just uses a monster to portray the sometimes-sudden crankiness that can overtake young kids when things don't quite go the way they want (and let's be honest, adults have these feelings too).
There isn't much for narrative in the first part -- just pointing out the different places and circumstances in which you're most likely to "find" Crankenstein: when popsicles melt, when lines are long, when it's time for school, etc.
But sometimes when one Crankenstein meets another one, it leads to laughter. And that's where the book ends, which I thought was nice. It acknowledges the cranky feelings we have while reminding us we don't have to *stay* in that mode.
There isn't much for narrative in the first part -- just pointing out the different places and circumstances in which you're most likely to "find" Crankenstein: when popsicles melt, when lines are long, when it's time for school, etc.
But sometimes when one Crankenstein meets another one, it leads to laughter. And that's where the book ends, which I thought was nice. It acknowledges the cranky feelings we have while reminding us we don't have to *stay* in that mode.
January 27, 2016
Crankenstein exists and he's not happy! Why? It's raining, we're out of syrup, we've got to go to bed. You know; the usual. We all have a little Crankenstein in us! It just depends on what brings out the moaning groaning monster!
My daughter had me read this so many times that I turned into a Crankenstein! She loved when I made the MEHHRRRR sounds! It was pretty fun book to read though. I loved the little patterns and how some of the "thought bubbles" were in different shapes depending on what the subject was about.
My daughter had me read this so many times that I turned into a Crankenstein! She loved when I made the MEHHRRRR sounds! It was pretty fun book to read though. I loved the little patterns and how some of the "thought bubbles" were in different shapes depending on what the subject was about.
October 23, 2017
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade Level: K-2
This book is cute and talks about emotion, something I think needs to be taught at a young age. I liked the simple story line and fun illustrations. Students will be able to relate to this because everyone gets cranky sometimes. It was a clever idea and can spark students imaginations. It would be a fun read aloud and I believe students would get a kick out of it.
Grade Level: K-2
This book is cute and talks about emotion, something I think needs to be taught at a young age. I liked the simple story line and fun illustrations. Students will be able to relate to this because everyone gets cranky sometimes. It was a clever idea and can spark students imaginations. It would be a fun read aloud and I believe students would get a kick out of it.
February 27, 2018
Crankenstein is like every other kid, just on a bad day.
My son and I loved this one. I laughed because, as a parent, I'm familiar with the crankenstein personality of a young child. My son loved it because he likes monsters, but he's so young, he's just starting to figure out the meaning behind stories. He asked questions, and continually asked for a re-read on this library book, so I'm calling it a winner. Loved the colorful, bold artwork.
My son and I loved this one. I laughed because, as a parent, I'm familiar with the crankenstein personality of a young child. My son loved it because he likes monsters, but he's so young, he's just starting to figure out the meaning behind stories. He asked questions, and continually asked for a re-read on this library book, so I'm calling it a winner. Loved the colorful, bold artwork.
November 23, 2016
I adore this book! It is such a cute story for all ages because there is a little "Crankenstein" inside all of us! Thanks Mama Jen for sharing :)
November 1, 2021
Who do you turn into when you are cranky?
Crankenstein by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Dan Santat is an endearing book about a boy who has much to be cranky about! As his day goes from bad to worse, the boy turns into a literal monster. From having to get up early, to missing the bus, to a rainy day and a melting popsicle, this ordinary boy turns into a grumpy, cranky Crankenstein who grumbles mehhhrrr! Sometimes though, a grumpy boy might just meet another grumpy child....and laugh and laugh and laugh....and he might not be so grumpy anymore.
I absolutely loved reading this book to my second graders. They loved Crankenstein, as he is highly relatable. The kids loved his grumpy mumbling and the depiction of Crankenstein in vibrant illustrations. The illustrations in the story by Dan Santat are incredible. They are bold and imaginative and truly add to the text. This is going to be a book I read to my class for years to come.
Reading Mentor Text: Primary Grades
Perfect for Halloween, to teach visualizing and connections
Crankenstein by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Dan Santat is an endearing book about a boy who has much to be cranky about! As his day goes from bad to worse, the boy turns into a literal monster. From having to get up early, to missing the bus, to a rainy day and a melting popsicle, this ordinary boy turns into a grumpy, cranky Crankenstein who grumbles mehhhrrr! Sometimes though, a grumpy boy might just meet another grumpy child....and laugh and laugh and laugh....and he might not be so grumpy anymore.
I absolutely loved reading this book to my second graders. They loved Crankenstein, as he is highly relatable. The kids loved his grumpy mumbling and the depiction of Crankenstein in vibrant illustrations. The illustrations in the story by Dan Santat are incredible. They are bold and imaginative and truly add to the text. This is going to be a book I read to my class for years to come.
Reading Mentor Text: Primary Grades
Perfect for Halloween, to teach visualizing and connections
Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews