Monsters Don't Cry (Hardback)

Authors Brett Mckee  Ella Burfoot

Age: 3 - 5 years

Overview

An adorably written, gorgeously illustrated story of a brave little monster learning that sometimes it's okay to cry

Archie awoke with a shout in the night.
Only a dream, but what a terrible fright.
Well monsters may roar, may growl or just sigh,
But monsters are strong, monsters don't cry.

Written in delightful rhyming verse, this charming children's story introduces Archie, a brave young monster who is determined to face all the obstacles life has to offer without shedding a single tear. From scary nightmares to falling out of a swing, upset tummies due to too much birthday cake, and even getting stung by a mean old bumble bee, Archie remains steadfast to prove that he is a real monster—and monsters are strong, they don't cry! However, Archie eventually learns that sometimes even little monsters don't always have to be brave, especially when mommy and daddy monster are at hand to make everything all right!

Editorial Review

Archie is an adventurous monster who takes his teddy bear friend with him everywhere. Like his human counterparts, Archie endures a variety of upsetting scenarios, from bad dreams and broken toys to an upset stomach from eating too much birthday cake. In a series of rhyming couplets, Archie and Teddy experience many of the scary events common to childhood: getting lost, getting hurt, and getting stung by a bee. After each encounter is the same refrain: "Monsters may roar, may growl or just sigh, but monsters are strong, monsters don't cry." Only when his stuff animal's head comes off does Archie weep. As in many of the previous spreads, Archie's loving parents are there to help him through his distress. They repair the bear with some handy tape. Burfoot's colorful and charming illustrations keep the repetition from becoming too monotonous as readers search for Teddy, whose hilarious facial expressions reflect his dismay at the danger he faces on Archie's adventures. Since monsters are usually the source of tears, young readers may find it reassuring that even a monster cannot be tough all of the time. Comedic moments, such as when Archie learns not to let go when swinging or when he finds that riding in circles can make him dizzy, will resonate with the preschool set, who may have already learned some of these lessons the hard way. Parents, teachers and librarians will all assure their charges that crying is a normal, natural feeling—even for monsters—and caring people are ready to help when needed.