If Monet Painted a Monster and more in the series by Amy Newbold illustrated by Greg Newbold

 Cleverly this husband-wife team incorporates monsters in famous artists' works. At the back they offer a brief, interesting biography of each artist mentioned. Comparing the art depicted in this picture book to the actual art would be a beneficial and a memorable experience.

This team has also written If Picasso Painted a Snowman and If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur. I have requested both titles from the library and will review them soon.

More in the series:

If Picasso Painted a Snowman-same idea as above   Featured artists: Picasso, Joseph Mallord William Turner, Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O'Keeffe, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Pablita Velarde, Jackson Pollock, Slavador Dali, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Georges Seurat, Piet Mondrian, Sonia Delaunay, Jacob Lawrence, Vincent van Gogh, Grant Wood

Idea: This coming school year I may have my seventh grader read this book and then have him create a snowmen in the style of the two artists we are studying (Whistler and Millet).

jun

These books are so clever and will help focus the reader on the artist's style. Very talented author-illustrator team!

Another book in the series-If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur  The dinosaurs depicted are listed in the back. Advice for artists is included.

  Artists featured in this book-Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, Katsushika Hokusai, Mary Cassatt, Grandma Moses, Frida Kahlo, Qi Baishi, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Diego Rivera, Franz Marc, Aaron Douglas, Harrison Begay, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Mark Rothko, Lois Mailou Jones, Marguerite Thompson Zorach, Edvard Munch

Golem by David Wisniewski *

Caldecott Medal Winner
In 1580, in Prague, the Jews were segregated to a Ghetto.  Lies were being spread about their Passover ceremonies, so people despised them.  The chief rabbi, Judah Loew ben Bezalel, creates Golem to help protect the Jews.  When Golem fulfills his purpose, he will return to the earth.
Quickly the reader will sympathize with Golem and be heart broken when he must die.
After reading Sweep A Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier,  I was curious about this Jewish creature.  Mr. Auxier recommended this specific book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: The Golem dies, crumbling to the earth.  May be really sad to sensitive readers.

Thelonius Monster's Sky-High Fly Pie by Judy Sierra illustrated by Edward Koren

Thelonius Monster decides to make a huge fly pie to share.  After consulting a spider for advice, he concocts a sugary mixture to entice them.   He then forms a huge pie and invites all of his monster family and friends to partake in the delicious creation.  One problem . . . he forgot to bake it.  A  fun ending!
Great word choice that will help expand vocabulary.
The entire poem is in rhyme. 
Great to use when studying long i with young readers (ie, y).
-Borrowed from the library.

She Made a Monster by Lynn Fulton illustrated by Felicita Sala

How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein
This book reveals how Ms. Shelley came up with the idea and the plot of Frankenstein.  The author also weaves in events from Ms. Shelley's childhood and her mother's (Mary Wollstonecraft) advocacy of women's rights. 
The author's note offers more insight to the time period and the original Frankenstein story. 
The illustrations are dark yet fitting.  They may creep out younger readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gargoyles Monsters in Stones by Jennifer Dussling illustrated by Peter Church*

All Aboard Reading Level 2 Grades 1-3
This easy to read book contains a lot of information about the history of gargoyles, where to spy them and about their creation process. 
Perfect book for beginning/transitional readers when learning about the Medieval time period and Notre Dame Cathedral.
I had my boys read this to themselves for background information about gargoyles when we studied Medieval France. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen*

This book makes me want to pack my bags and head to a lake in Maine.  Although the main story line is fantastical, the illustrations depict actual Maine wildlife.
I love all of Mr. Van Dusen's books he has written/illustrated.  We own all the Mercy Watson books he illustrated.
One day Hattie is singing in her canoe, when a monster allured by her singing, emerges.  Even though the two become fast friends, other witnesses are appalled and conclude that he is dangerous.  The townspeople hold a meeting to discuss the monster and how to eradicate him.  At night, Hattie and Hudson (for that is the name she gives him) create their own plan to reveal how friendly he is.
An awesome vertical page adds uniqueness to the book.  The book is also bigger in size which reflects the large monster character!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

What's Under My Bed? by James Stevenson

A grandfather tucks his two grandchildren into bed after he has told them a scary story.  The children try to sleep but all the night noises cause them to scamper to their grandfather for comfort.  He, in turn, tells them a story about when he was young and scared at his grandparents' house.
Strategy: monitoring/check for understanding-two plots in one book to keep straight
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: Lots of scary creatures-ghosts, ghouls, goblins, witches, monsters, skeletons

Dr. Ernest Drake's Monsterology

A fun book that explores many fascinating creatures and beasts (like griffin, dragons, unicorns, chimera, yeti, behemoth, kraken etc.).  A must read for children (and adults) who love fantasy.
Lots of envelopes, curious pockets to open . . .but unfortunately, this library book had seen a lot of use and pieces were torn or missing.
My fourth grader had fun reading this book!
-Borrowed from the library.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Dragons and Mythical Creatures by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce*

My fourth grader loves dragons and mythical stories.  He read this book to himself.
He even read the "more research" section and asked me to request recommended books from the list!
Ms. Osborne and Ms. Boyce discuss the legends about dragons, sea creatures, unicorns, mermaids, griffins, creatures from creation myths and mythical creatures today.  They also dedicate a chapter to reflecting on how and why people may have created stories about these creatures.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde #3 by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

On their way to eat breakfast with Princess Sneezewort, Princess Magnolia's monster ring goes off.  Frimplepants, her pony, is quite disgusted with the interruptions as he had skipped breakfast in anticipation of the delicious spread with Princess Sneezewort.
Then Princess Magnolia and Frimplepants undergo transformation and are The Princess in Black and Blacky, her faithful pony.  When they arrive on the scene of the monster invasion, The Princess in Black is surprised to view cute, innocent bunnies munching the goats' grass.  Blacky and the goat boy, however, see the bunnies for who they are.  Who will be able to convince The Princess in Black, otherwise?
I like the twist in this one, #3.    The second one was too similar to the first one.   I, however, like this one as much as the first one!
*Highly recommend (for transitional readers).
*Borrowed from the library.

Unexplained Mysteries-The Loch Ness Monster by Ray McClellan*

"Epic" series
This book explores the history and mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster.
My third grader read this book to himself.
Text features: table of contents, headings, bold, color font, photos, maps, charts, labels, picture captions, glossary, "learn more"page, index
Perfect series/book for boys or reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Point to discuss: old world view ("70 million years ago")

The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party #2 by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

Princess Magnolia seems like the perfect princess: prim, proper, and likes pink.  For her birthday she invites her twelve princess friends to celebrate.  Whenever she begins to enjoy the festivities, however, her glitter-stone ring rings, sounding the monster alarm.  Then she transforms into the Princess in Black!  Off she rides on Blacky, her trusty steed,  to fight off monsters who threaten the kingdom's goat population.

I love this series for transitional, reluctant girl readers.  The chapters are short and exciting.  Lots of illustrations fill almost every page.
*Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend series for reluctant reader girls who like princesses but who are also a bit adventurous!

I Will Chomp You! by Jory John illustrated by Bob Shea*

On the front jacket cover, the monster warns the reader not to proceed or he will chomp them!  Of course, the reader turns the page and then the next page . . .
A surprise turn of events occurs towards the end of the book.
This book would be a great one to read aloud during story time and have listeners yell out "Chomp!" when it fills the page.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman illustrated by Ben Cort

This rhyming books declares why monsters love underwear.
Read also Aliens Love Underpants and Dinosaurs Love Underpants.
I liked Dinosaurs Love Underpants better but my boys liked this one best.

The Notebook of Doom-#1 Rise of the Balloon Goons by Troy Cummings

Alexander is new in town and is not anticipating his first day of school.  To increase his apprehension, weird events occur-like his new school being in a funeral home, his dad's tires losing air.
At his birthday party,  he discovers the culprits and must try to be brave to rescue a classmate.

Very short chapters so a great series for reluctant readers and for building stamina.
Grade Level Equivalent: 2nd grade
Guided Reading Level: N (3rd grade)

The Kingdom of Wrenly #3 Sea Monster! by Jordan Quinn illustrated by Robert McPhillips*

My second grader likes this series.  He read this one to himself and liked the part when the kids find a sea monster.
A sea monster is frightening the kingdom so Prince Lucas and his friend Clara go to find the monster.
Perfect series for transitional readers-lots of illustrations, short chapters.
*Highly recommend.
My son did not want to read book #4 about a witch and curse-said it looked too scary.

The Princess in Black #1 By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

A new series for beginning/transitional readers.  So excited about this one!!
Princess Magnolia appears to be your typical princess-dresses in pink, wears glass slippers, afraid of snails, and sneezes in the sunlight.  But she has a secret!  Duchess Wigtower comes for a visit and is determined to discover her secret.
*Highly recommend.
I read this book in one sitting to my two boys and they enjoyed it (even though my oldest is repulsed by anything princess!!).
Besides the Duchess and the Princess, other fun characters make this book engaging--monsters!!, an unicorn (or is he really an unicorn?!) and a goat boy (who is totally boy-he is a goat herder).
Colorful illustrations are on almost every page.
Perfect for building stamina.
Strategy: check for understanding (each chapter goes back and forth between different characters' points of view).

The Hardy Boys Secret File #5 A Monster of a Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs*

My second grade son loves this series.
This one is gross--a comic character Morpho Monster visits the boys' hometown.  His spork that he uses to eat human brains goes missing.
To avoid the cancellation of the fan event, the spork must be found.

Commander Toad in Space by Jane Yolen illustrated by Bruce Degen

A fun series for transitional readers to build stamina.
Commander Toad and his crew go on a mission to alien stars but disturb the monster, Deep Wader.
Some play on words with Star Wars in the book.
My seven year old read this book in one sitting.

Stinky a toon book by Eleanor Davis*

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
When a boy enters Stinky's swamp, he comes up with creative ways to chase him out of his territory.
My seven year old enjoyed reading this book a lot!
*Highly recommend for reluctant readers, boys and for building stamina.