Woo hoo! It’s Friday!!!
And you know what that means, boys and girls…
It’s time for Perfect Picture Books!
(Although truth be told, I’m not even here today! You might have guessed that, given the tardiness of this post. I am in the Green Mountains visiting my daughter! 😊)
First off, I’m happy to announce the winner of last week’s giveaway!!! JENNY MORALES, come on down! You are the lucky winner of your choice of either a copy of GARDENS ARE FOR GROWING by Chelsea Tornetto, OR, a PB Manuscript Critique from Chelsea!!! Please email me (you can use the handy contact form in the menu bar above) and I’ll get you set up with your winnings! 😊
Now, then! I can’t say today’s choice relates to the time of year or anything that’s going on. I just loved this book from the opening sentence, and I hope you will too!
Title: Marilyn’s Monster
Written By: Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated By: Matt Phelan
Candlewick, March 2015, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: patience/waiting, monsters, doing what you know is right
Opening: “Some of the kids in Marilyn’s class had monsters. It was the latest thing. Marilyn didn’t have a monster. Not yet. You couldn’t just go out and get one. Your monster had to find you. That’s just the way it worked.”
Brief Synopsis: Marilyn longs for her monster to find her. She tries to be patient and be the kind of girl no monster can resist. But the longer she waits, the harder it gets, until finally Marilyn takes matters into her own hands. And it’s a good thing she does!
Links To Resources: Marilyn’s Monster Story Time Kit; Q&A with Michelle Knudsen and Matt Phelan
Why I Like This Book: Oh, gosh! Where to begin? The story is wonderfully original and entertaining, and relates to a theme all kids can understand – having to wait for things! Marilyn is so believably child-like in her behaviors and emotions. The art is delightful, full of wacky monsters that are tons of fun to look at, and Marilyn’s face and body language are so expressive. Marilyn goes against expectation without being disobedient or breaking any rules, so it’s a nice way to model doing what you know is right, or being true to yourself. And the resolution is surprisingly sweet. Across the board, this one is a winner!
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 
I love this book, Susanna! What a great pick! And yes, waiting waiting waiting is something we can all identify with, LOL. The illustrations are priceless.
Dear Susanna: We are all grateful for Perfect Picture Book Fridays and the chance to learn about wonderful picture books!!!
Everywhere I go I’m early (a curse my dad gave me) so when I have to wait for my bestfriend who is always late—I’m so impatient:) Sounds like a fun book. Best wishes in 2022.
I love this book! I’ve read it before and it truly is delightful! Thanks for sharing, Susanna.
This is probably my favorite picture book of all time. It’s BEYOND perfect.
An all time favorite. Enjoy giving this book as a present even to older children.
Thank you, Susanna, for taking the time out of your family visit to share this with us:)
It is a favorite book of mine, too. Especially the way it shows doing what’s right while being true to oneself. Great review, Susanna.
I HAVE to find out what happens!! Thank you for a tantalizing review!! Enjoy the Green Mountains! My son went to UVM and I miss them!!
This story is really unusual. I love that she learns to believe in herself. Lovely illustrations!
Oh, our fifth great grandchild (boy) was born today and I sent two of your new books as gifts.
I can’t believe I haven’t read this yet! Thanks for sharing it.
This book looks great, look forward to reading it.