The Monsterologist: A Memoir in Rhyme

by Bobbi Katz, Adam McCauley (Illustrator)

Open this memoir…if you dare! For inside this rare collection of letters, notes, and interviews lie the choicest fruits of the monsterologist’s bone-chilling research. In engaging rhyme, the monster master tells all about Count Dracula (“When you visit Transylvania, be sure to stay with me”); issues a werewolf warning; and dishes on trolls, ghosts, witches, ogres, and myriad mythological and literary creatures!Designed to look like a treasured scrapbook, every page features an eye-catching mix of drawings, photos, and handwritten text. Plus, kids will love the die-cut, gatefolds, and other cool surprises throughout! 

Visit www.themonsterologist.com for more fun and information!

Genres: Poetry, Childrens, Magic, Picture Books, Horror, Monsters, Fiction

50 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

A former editor at Random House, Katz has published many rhyming picture books for elementary school students.

Reviews

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

For several years my friend Bobbi Katz has been winning our heats at poetry salons by reading her "Monsterologist" poems. Now they appear in
wonderfully appealing book. And I appear as a PhD in zombie studies. So I give this book five stars out of self-interest. Bobbi more than deserves it. Her charm and wit are terrific.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book but it could be longer, there’s some pages with just art and no poetry. Theres 2 made up monsters that were refreshing and cute. The design is adorable and my local library wants to use it for an event, so I think it found its audience.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a does-what-it-says on the tin, but the tin was very descriptive. Fun illustrations using a lot of different media, and lively poems for a variety of monsters.

[Blake M.]

A nice challenging read.

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kiddie-friendly version of Fantagraphic's Beasts! comes smashing forth under the title of The MonsterOlogist: A Memoir in Rhyme. Adam McCailey's illustrations (and, presumably, book design) make the title so enticing as to draw one's absolute attention to every detail, including the index page. Author Bobbi Katz's rhymes (though unfortunately stilted, forced, and often awkward) create a spiky, nuanced environment which visually mesh with the corresponding artwork. Even the pages differ in texture, from the glossy faux postage-stamp endsheet and frontispiece to the foldout elements... this book is simply a thrill to read, either aloud or merely to one's self.

The genus of monsters featured inside are fairly standard - primarily Yetis and Cyclopses, nothing truly exotic like the kappa or even the Minotaur. But as an introduction to Monsterology, this book encapsulates the most elemental monsters, and cannot fail but draw in the most reluctant reader.

But is it scary? Potentially, yes. The Mephistophelian portrait of Grendal has the ability to haunt an impressionable mind - though perhaps not the accompanying text: "Grendal had a mom, they say, who doted on her son. / She called him "Tootsie-Wootsie" and "Mommy's Honey Bun." Add to this a poetic recitation of "Ping Pong with King Kong" and "Bluebeard's Personal Ad," and a reader is staring at a full-on satire of elementary proportion. Educational, then? No, not especially. But why should it have to be?

The MonsterOlogist is just an experience to read, moreso than a simple passive book to be "looked at" and glossed over. It was intended to be regarded, admired -- even physically touched. This book cannot be replicated by electronic means thanks to the prehensile enterprise of merely holding the slight-yet-oversized tome. The book simply feels mysterious and adds to the thrill of the subject matter inside. The text mutes that common horrific effect that monsters can instill in children, yet does not deprive them entirely of their verility, thanks in no small part to McCauley's fearless hand.

This is one to be selected for that special person who has always wondered about the substance of a world filled with mythical beasts... but who might not necessarily like to experience them once the lights have been turned out.

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Monsterologist is truly an experience that may take you as long as is necessary for your eyes to get everything off of each page. Put together in a sort of eerie scrapbooking style, the illustration in this book is guaranteed to keep kids coming back to study each goblin face and eerie calligraphy painted "letter" for just a moment more. The pictures in this book will tell a story of their own with each coming page, and give hints to greater research that the reader may want to do over the subjects he has just read about. That aspect is then contrasted by the poetry thrown into the mix. Each poem explains its subject, a different monster per page, in fun ways that are focused on anything from the source of the Grendel's evil eating habits to how badly Dracula needs a visitor out in Transylvania, since he's dying of thirst to be a genial host. I feel that the essence of this book could not work without the poetry used to explain the images, since it allows the author to twist words and ideas while still telling a complete story. The rhyme gives a creepy, playful and almost taunting rhythm to each monster's story that could not be created with normal writing, which is why I wanted to focus on Halloween themed poetry, because it makes the reading so much more interesting and fun!

[Christy Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say not to judge a book by it's cover. Well , I do. The old yet dark look of this book of poetry draws old and you to open it up and are not disappointed. The inside has sillouettes of vampires and frankenstien in neon colors. Even the copyright is stylized to look inviting. This collection of poems about mythical and dangerous creatures is dark, daring, a bit unconventional yet entertaining, great for kids with edge with jokes for older audiences as well. I liked learning about creatures I didn't know much about before--like the Gollem and Behemoth. There's a wide range of monsters and creatures that dips into Beowulf's Grendel in creative ways like the zombie survey and the vampire's letter. A few times throughout the book, the book folds out to reveal more material which adds a great tactile experience to the book. Though some of the material is a tad advanced, overall it's a fun read for kids.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If monsters are what interest you,/ the how and why of what they do,/ I know the facts: What’s false, what’s true,/ since I’m a monsterologist.” Katz and McCauley explore the world of monsters ranging from the real (a computer virus) to the imaginary (zombies, vampires) to the mythical (Medusa) to those in-between (ghosts, the yeti, the Loch Ness monster) that may or may not be real. The design, layout and illustrations are fresh and engaging, and will draw many readers into browse. The playful and clever poems are occasionally gruesome, but in a way that kids love (“Take half a dozen dozing Danes./ Split their skills./ Pull out their brains./ Tear off arms./ Tear off legs./ Add flour to/ well-beaten eggs./ Fold in Danes/ and you will get/ a pastry to eat/ baked or wet.”). These poems will have you coming back time and again to study the monsters inside.

[Dest · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cool freaking book. The endpapers alone (an array of vintage-looking monster stamps) sent a thrill up my spine. From the illustrator of the Time Warp Trio series and prolific poet Bobbi Katz, comes this book of poetry about monsters written from the perspective of a moster expert (or monsterologist). You have the usual fare here: ogres, trolls, dracula, etc. But you also get a bunch of creative creatures thrown in, too: the Compu-monster, the Verbivore, and the Surfing Sock-Eater.

Best for upper-elementary, I think. Not overly scary, mostly fun, with spectacular graphic design and an engaging premise.

[Rowan Czaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book based on a mention on Poetry Friday and it has been a huge hit with my two monsters (boys, 7 & 11). The rhymes are a joy to read aloud — the language is simultaneously funny and sophisticated:

“Scientific discipline insists I should stay leery

and not assume the truth is found

when what in truth is theory.”

What really makes the book though, is the complexity and variety of the illustrations: the fold-out letters, the maps, the visual humor. Each spread is unique and rich in detail.

This book is a must if you have elementary-aged kids who love monsters.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is physically gorgeous, and lots of fun to read. The pictures had lots of mixed media, which is so hot these days for a reason - it's lots of eye candy! I was pleasantly surprised by how fun and diverse the poems were. This would be lots of fun to share with kids in April for some really fun and funny poetry.

[Tiffany Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this poetry book. I mean, a monsterologist poetry book? Genius. My studnets are going to fight over this and then devour it.

Beyond the brilliant concept and great poems, the illustrations and designs are amazing. I am just all around thrilled with this awesome discovery at Half Price Books.

Love. Love. Love.

[Red Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's NOT to love? Beautiful illustrations, fun poems...my only wish is that they would have gone a little more "out there." The poems played it a tad safe for my liking. Kids ENJOY things a bit wilder than this book delivered, but all-in-all, it still DELIVERED, so that's what counts. Recommend.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed it at my blog and really enjoyed it. Long review short? This book is the complete package - engaging poems, terrific art, and superior book design. Bravo, all 'round!

[Tracylea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a visual and literary treat for anyone who loves monsters! I picked it up for myself and am delighted to find my four year old daughter asking me to read it to her every evening. Each page is a treat and I hope to discover more books like this.

[Jessica Wirth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that it rhymed and had a scrapbook quality to it. I do wish there would've been "more" pictures. The style of the set-up is great, I'm just a really visual person and would love to have see more details of the monsters. It does a great job of covering the most popular ones though!

[Erin Tuzuner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book for monsters of all ages.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun book. It has poems about many different kinds of monsters. I think anyone will enjoy this. I know I did.

[Jennybug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I am excited to read it to older children. The art work is great and of course I loved all of the poems. There is also quite a bit of humor for adults.

[Becky Loader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my. I want to be a monsterologist. A career where you get to meet such interesting beings, and get to talk about them in verse? Winner!!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am constantly amazed by creative poetry books. This one was fun!

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars.

This was a quick and easy one to fly through. I find anything written in rhyme super fun to read so it's a thumbs up from me. Plus this cover looks fantastic displayed on my shelf.