REVIEW: Maggie and the Monster

Winthrop, E., & dePaola, T. (1987). Maggie and the Monster. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

9780399247118

One of the many books by Tomie dePaola, Maggie and the Monster, tells the story of how a monster bumped and grumbled about Maggie's room while she was trying to sleep. As the monster continues to visit Maggie each night, it becomes apparent that there is more to this monster than the typical scary beastie. It falls to Maggie to help the monster get what she needs.

Done in dePaola's usual style with many neutral colors, the monster appears far from threatening, but rather is meant to be humorous looking. This happens to be my favorite picture:
Although, it was kind of hard to choose, since there was this one too:

I know that was always liked peeking behind the curtains too.

Activities:

This is one of the many books out there that can be helpful to children who fear a monster is bumping about in the nighttime. The monster described and illustrated in Maggie and the Monster is funny and relatable. This story can be used to share the idea of looking beyond appearances and initial behavior to understand what is going on with others at a deeper level and how communicating politely can contribute to creating a friendship.

Quotes of Note:

"Every night, a monster came into Maggie's room."

"Maggie didn't like the monster.

"GET OUT OF MY ROOM!" she shouted."

"That night, Maggie hung a sign on her doorknob. It read:

MGGIE'S

ROOM

MONSTERS

KEEP OUT!"

"You are the clumsiest monster I've ever met."