School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Jane Yolen and her daughter have teamed up to produce a unique treatment of a popular topic. Double-page spreads introduce vampires, Medusa, mummies, zombies, and others. Children are told what each monster does and how they can avoid it ("get out your garlic, or the salty chips, or the mistletoe, or the weasel...just in case.") The text is light in tone and includes some "factual" material (for example, the riddle of the Sphinx and the assorted names for the Abominable Snowman). Interspersed with the information about each monster are plenty of "yechhhhhs!" and tongue-in-cheek warnings. The watercolor illustrations are suitably funny/scary, with a snarling Sphinx, tired mummies, and warty ogres. No self-respecting child will be able to resist. Unfortunately, some of the text is printed on the illustrations and is difficult to read.-Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.