Minerva the Monster [Hardcover]

Wednesday Kirwan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—Minerva the Boston terrier (or, in this case, terror) is back. Having declared herself a monster at the start of the story, she makes a fearsome paper-plate mask and takes on a new persona. As a monster, Minerva says, she doesn't have to help with chores, eat green beans, or wear pajamas (the latter due to her thick monster fur). Although being a monster is liberating, it is also isolating: monsters don't play games, eat peanut butter cookies, or get tucked into bed. As in Nobody Notices Minerva (Sterling, 2007), the patience of her parents steers the rambunctious child toward making a decision that resolves the situation satisfactorily for all. Children will appreciate that Minerva is allowed her monster personality and then welcomed so readily back. The gouache and colored-pencil illustrations are crisp, bright, and full of mischief, much like Minerva herself. This book will be a hit with readers who already know the protagonist and a treat for those meeting her for the first time.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402757182
• ISBN-13: 978-1402757181
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,262,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and Sweet, June 5, 2009

By 

James B. Kirwan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Minerva the Monster (Hardcover)

"Minerva the Monster" is a perfect picture book for little tykes. It's simple story is both funny and sweet and will strike a familiar chord with both children and parents. The wonderful illustrations along with the cute story will make "Minerva the Monster" a frequent request for a bedtime story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Playful Boston Bull, April 16, 2011

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Minerva the Monster (Hardcover)

Minerva is a Boston bull. They're smart dogs. Minerva likes to dress up and play pretend. She makes a monster mask and then she won't help in the kitchen or eat at the table. She won't put things away, even the mask she made. Then she learns that it's no fun being treated like you really are a monster. You can't eat cookies or do other fun "kid/pup" things. That's when Minerva learns that being a lovable Boston bull is better than a monster. Still, she likes to pretend. She knows how to have fun.

3.0 out of 5 stars Bad Habits? Or Playful Imagination?, May 13, 2010

By 

Lindsey (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Minerva the Monster (Hardcover)

I love imaginative play. I love kids dressing up and pretending to be anything their little minds can think of. This book is about just that! Minerva makes a monster mask and is a monster for a day! My only "issue" with the book, is her parents let her get away with some pretty bad behavior, since she is a monster and no longer Minerva (whatever it is that Minerva is). She refuses to clean up her crayons. She refuses to help when her mother asks. She hides under the table to eat dinner after she has once verbally refused to eat. In the end, yes, Minerva decides to become herself again and go to bed on her own terms. But pretend play is not exactly a way to do anything you want. And those crayons never did get put away!