Another Monster

Another Monster at the End of This Book
Author: Jon Stone
Publishing information: A Golden Book - New York, 1996, baby-preschool.
Number of Pages: 24
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Grove is once again informed that there is a monster at the end of the books and is afraid to turn the page. Elmo accompanies him in this story and is excited to meet a new monster. Grove pleads the reader not to turn the page, and tries to stop the page from being turned by creating barriers. Elmo encourages the reader to continue and turn the page. Near the end of the book Grover comes up with a plan, so he would not be scared of the monster at the end of the book. He has Elmo sneak around the back of the book and jump out. Well, the monsters at the end of the book are Elmo and Grover!
Your Reaction to the book: I like Grover’s character; he got the reader involved with his scheme of blocking the pages. Elmo was cute and encouraged the reader to go on.
Potential Problems: I felt that the two characters contradicted each other. Grover didn’t want the pages to be turned because he was afraid. I felt Elmo didn’t listen to Grover and ruined what Grover’s plan. The two did not complement each other well.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to a mother reading to her young kids, around or before preschool age. They can really get into the push and pull of the duet of Grover and Elmo.