Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This series' winning formula of visual comedy blended with deep-seated empathy scores another bull's-eye. White-skinned kid monster Crankenstein, who turns green when he's cranky, has a favorite day of the year, and it "rhymes with Schmalloween." But what occurs this year is "NOT what Crankenstein had in mind." As he wakes up with a toothache, his little brother laughs at his homemade costume and swipes his candy, and he trick-or-treats at a house that gives out toothbrushes, the character's signature "Mehhrrrr!" is accompanied by plenty of grouchy grimaces. As in Berger and Santat's previous collaborations, the day is redeemed when Crankenstein realizes he's not alone: friends surprise him at his house wearing Crankenstein masks, a sight so endearing and funny that his crankiness vanishes. Whether readers get grumpy because of rained-out trick-or-treating or an adult who makes them wear a coat over their costume, they should find plenty of comfort and laughs here. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--It's Halloween, Crankenstein's favorite day of the year! But everything goes wrong. He gets a toothache, his brother laughs at his costume, it rains (and his costume isn't waterproof), he gets lost in a corn maze, his pumpkin carving goes awry, someone else has the same costume as him (but better, of course), and, worst of all, he ends up trick-or-treating at the house that hands out toothbrushes! Poor Crankenstein. Just as he seems most defeated, the doorbell rings. It is someone dressed up as--him! As he finally laughs, he transforms into a human boy. As more friends dressed as Crankenstein show up and they have a party, Crankenstein realizes that the day isn't so bad after all. Santat's bright, bold illustrations add luxurious detail to the story and bring the characters to life. Berger's tale is humorous and complex, and Crankenstein's human identity is masterfully cloaked until the moment of his transformation. The silly candy on the end papers are also sure to delight. VERDICT This story about high expectations dashed by disaster that everyone can relate to. Recommended for all collections.--Katie Patterson, Aloha Community Lib., OR
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Review by Horn Book Review
Halloween is Crankenstein's favorite holiday, obviously, but this year it is not going well, with a toothache, rain, a pumpkin-carving fail, and the like all conspiring to bring forth a grumbling "mehhrrr" from our young hero. The text relies on a repeated subjunctive conceit ("Crankenstein would say") that is sometimes confusing, and the ending is abstract, but Crankenstein's crankiness remains relatable (see also the monster's previous self-titled story, rev. 9/13, and sequel) and even endearing, and the busy full-page digital paintings let it all hang out in a panoply of Halloween motifs. Roger Sutton September/October 2021 p.50(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
