Do Not Build a Frankenstein! [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]

Neil Numberman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2009 | Age Level: 5 and up

A Frankenstein is big.

He could push you really high on the swing. He'd never get tired of giving you rides on his shoulder.

A Frankenstein would be the perfect new best friend.

Maybe you could build one. . . .

No!

Wait!

Whatever you do, Do Not Build a Frankenstein!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—This pointless book starts with a boy yelling hysterically to get the attention of a crowd of kids. "Do Not Build a Frankenstein!" he admonishes to anyone who will listen. He is speaking from his own experience. Sure, it was fun having a giant monster to play with at first, but he soon tired of him breaking toys, scaring friends away, and following him everywhere. The only solution was to move to a new town, but not really, because Frankenstein finds him anyway. And the kids ignore the boy and run off to play with the monster. End of story. The cartoon children are drawn with skinny bodies, big round heads, and exaggerated expressions. Frankenstein has a giant green torso atop spindly legs with a pin-sized head. Stick with Ed Emberley's Go Away, Big Green Monster! (Little, Brown, 2005) and skip this Frankenstein.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT
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Review

“Numberman is a nimble, funny writer, and he opts for showing rather than telling, his naïf watercolors scoring a punch line every time.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

“This is a light, fun, and awfully cute intro to the famous horror icon.” (ALA Booklist )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (July 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061568163
• ASIN: B005K6TLYA
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,733,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ..but DO buy this book!, August 3, 2009

By 

Mercedes Goldcamp - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do Not Build a Frankenstein! (Hardcover)

Children and adults alike will laugh out loud as Frankenstein exasperates and outsmarts his "master" at every turn. Until the end, when he shows what a one-of-a-kind friend he really is. Clever, funny, and sweet. Destined to become a classic.

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Exactly Shelley, but Still a Fun Read., December 5, 2011

By 

D. Campbell "LibrarianDespot" (So Cal) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do Not Build a Frankenstein! (Hardcover)

Ok, I have to admit that I chuckled reading this book about an exasperated kid attempting to free himself from his "annoying" Frankenstein after the thrill has worn off. The goofy and expressive illustrations add to the humor and I think that most kids will enjoy having it read to them, or reading it themselves.

I have to agree *somewhat* with another reviewer regarding the calling of The Monster, "Frankenstein" and this book only further cements the mistaken belief that The Monster of Mary Shelley's novel was violent and even had a name. I've have attempted to correct this error over the years with my elementary students, but pretty much to no avail. When I do mention it, they let me know that "Yes" they know it was the doctor's name, but would prefer to the image of the Monster as a MONSTER named Frankenstein. Though, I do use these conversations as a history lesson as to the time period and the context in which Shelley created her novel. Most express shock when they learn she was only 19 when she wrote it.

Otherwise, just enjoy this fun book like I did.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but unfortunate, July 1, 2011

By 

BeckaJayne - See all my reviews

This review is from: Do Not Build a Frankenstein! (Hardcover)

The story was cute, the illustrations were good... unfortunately it's a slap in the face of classic literature. It may come to surprise some bought up on this sort of reading that Frankenstein is NOT a monster. He is a scientist and created a monster in the great book "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. I find it sad that a book drawing inspiration from another great book could get it so wrong- and that children reading this book will grow up thinking Frankenstein was the monster...not the creator.