What You Need to Know: • Peter McCarty has created an outstanding cautionary tale/fable in Jeremy Draws a Monster.
• This picture book would make a great read aloud for all ages.
• This is a wonderful story for those children struggling with the "gimmes", as they will find a great role model in the
monster, teaching them what NOT to do.
• This is a perfect story for an apprehensive child. Jeremy's apparent fear of going outside turns out to be small when
compared to the havoc the monster has wreaked inside. |
Sweet Book Summary: Jeremy never leaves his third floor apartment - ever. One day he decides to draw a monster, and the monster comes alive. Instead of being the companion Jeremy was probably hoping for, the monster turns out to be a demanding and dictatorial creature. Jeremy can't keep up with his demands; "Draw me sandwich! I am hungry!" the monster says. "Draw me a toaster, I like toast!", and the monster doesn't say thank you. Finally, Jeremy draws him a bus ticket and sends the monster packing. While bidding adieu to the monster at the bus stop, a group of children invite Jeremy to stay outside and play ball, and he does.
I especially love the fairy-tale quality of the story. There are no parents, nobody worried about the giant monster inhabiting Jeremy's room, and Jeremy works it out. Children (and adults) will delight in watching the exaggerated behavior of the boorish monster, and perhaps even see a little bit of themselves in him. The story, while just a very engaging and funny read, is also a good example for young children learning the respectful and civil way of behaving in the larger world. Always an apt lesson for children in the thick of socialization. |
Author: Peter McCarty Illustrator: Peter McCarty Published: 2009, 40 pages
Themes: Excellent Read-Aloud, Humor, Overcoming Fears, Imagination, Self-Awareness/Discovery |
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