Guess what today is, everyone?
It is the birthday of my dear friend, talented author/illustrator, Iza Trapani!!!
Happy Birthday, Iza!
And what better way to celebrate than by sharing one of her amazing books with you?!
But first, let’s have some cake 🙂
(And as long as we’re celebrating birthdays with cake, let me take this opportunity to wish Happy Birthday to my Brown Dog who will be 11 tomorrow!)
Isn’t it lovely to have birthdays and cake? 🙂
But now, to Iza’s wonderful book! Not her newest, which I shared back in the fall, but one of my favorites!
Title: Gabe and Goon
Written & Illustrated By: Iza Trapani
Charlesbridge, July 2016, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-6
Themes/Topics: monsters, friendship, humor, language fun (rhyme)
Opening: “Gabe wasn’t scared of monsters.
He hoped to see one soon.
Well, hiding in his closet
Was a real live monster, Goon.”
Brief Synopsis: Gabe is not afraid of monsters. In fact, he longs to meet one. Goon lives in Gabe’s closet, but he is terrified of children! When they meet, Goon does his best to scare Gabe away but nothing works. But though he’s unsuccessful as a scary monster, he makes a great friend when something comes along that does scare Gabe.
Links To Resources: draw a monster you would like to meet; write a story about what you would do if you met a monster; 25 Crazy Monster Crafts for Kids; 20 Monster Recipes & Snacks For Kids
Why I Like This Book: this is such a fun twist on the idea of kids being afraid of monsters, since in this story it’s the other way around. Poor Goon does his best to be scary and all Gabe does is laugh. Gabe wants to be friends but is unintentionally terrifying Goon with his nose-blowing and sneezing (he has a cold.) But when Goon realizes that Gabe isn’t so brave about everything, it bolsters his confidence a bit and the two become friends. The art is warm and cozy and inviting. Goon is an adorable monster. There is plenty of humor. Written in Iza’s trademark engaging rhyme which makes for a great read-aloud, this is a fun read kids will love!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🙂
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific links (and any other info you feel like filling out 🙂 ) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Susanna – something weird happened to my first link – can you delete the first one, please.
Birthdays & cake make a perfect day. Hug your Brown Dog for me. 🙂
Love the idea of the monster being the scared one who learns to be brave. I can’t wait to find this one. Thanks.
Oh Susanna, what a lovely birthday surprise! Thank you so much, my friend! 😘
Happy birthday dear Iza!
Thank you so much, Cathy!
What a fun book! Love that cover and the story. Happy birthday, Iza.
Happy birthday, Iza, and Brown Dog!
Happy birthday to Iza & Brown Dog! Love the twist of this story & I’m sure kids will love the rhyming, too.
Happy birthdays! And what a fun book – I love stories about monsters where they don’t fit the stereotype.
Goon sounds like a ton of fun. I am also afraid of everything, and it makes Mom laugh when anyone is afraid of me. I am working on being brave in the elevator at my house. But THERE’S A DOG THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE ME ON THE CEILING! Mom says his name is Mirror. Stupid name. Stupid copycat dog. Happy birthday, Brown Dog. 11 looks good on you, buddy.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
This book looks adorable.
Happy birthday Iza and to the adorable Brown Dog!!!! I LOVE Iza’s books-this is one of my favorites! Hugs to you both 🙂
Gabe and Goon looks like a sweet book. Thanks for the recommendation.
Awww…I like the twist. Thanks for sharing. Kids and monsters are a good match. 🙂