Alfred's Book of Monsters
by Sam Streed
Date: 2019
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library
With nods to Tim Burton, Edward Gorey, and Neil Gaiman, this humorous picture book about a Victorian boy obsessed with monsters presents a dark and appealing world, created by debut author/illustrator Sam Streed.
In the graveyard, between stone monuments for forgotten souls, lurks the Black Shuck. . . . Its one blood-red eye burns with an undying rage.
After reading about the slimy Nixie, the angry Black Shuck, and the creepy Lantern Man in his beloved Book of Monsters, Alfred decides to invite the monsters to teatime with his crusty old aunty, who thinks monsters are an improper obsession for a respectable young boy.
(synopsis from Goodreads)
Suitable for the Halloween season, Alfred's Book of Monsters is about a young boy who, tired of the same "delightful" tea parties with his aunt, decides to shake things up a bit by inviting the monsters he's read about in his favourite book.
The story was over before I knew it, leaving me feeling as though the ending—as amusing as it was—was somewhat abrupt. Kids will likely side with Alfred as he turns a stodgy teatime into a fun and scary romp.
Overall, this is a decent book for those looking for tales about monsters.
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Overall: 3 out of 5
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