Children's Lit Book Reviews

Tuesday, February 9, 2010























The Monster Who Ate My Peas
By: Danny Schnitzlein
Publisher: Peachtree Publisher
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book/Adventure
Award: N/A
"Another yucky food story, this one told in rhyme. And it actually works."
-
School Library Journal


Summary: The narrator, who happens to be a little boy, suddenly finds himself faced with one of his deepest fears, being forced to eat something he doesn't want to eat or he wouldn't get any dessert that night. Once he realizes the seriousness of his mother he replies to her, "...Before peas, I would rather eat dirt!" showing his mother that he doesn't have any desire to eat the peas that was placed on his dinner plate. His mother recognizes that the little boy does not want to eat his peas and says, "Eat up those peas. Do it now...or you'll get no ice cream...and you'll go straight to bed." Soon after his mother leaves the room, the little boy attempts to entice Ralph his dog to eat the peas but finds no success. The little boys last resort was to tightly close his eyes and whisper a wish saying, " Please let these peas disappear from my dish!" Then out of no where the most unique and strange thing appeared. This monster had hair like spinach, a big bloated body made of broccoli, his breath reeked of sardines, his eyes resembled brussel sprouts, squash for his nose and what looked like liver for his lips. The monster then introduced himself as the monster who helps kids by eating the things they don't want to eat, but under one stipulation. The kid most give up his favorite soccer ball in order for the monster to eat his peas. Taking some time to think about this important decision he finally decides to surrender the soccer ball and have the monster eat the peas.
Eventually, the boy finds himself in the same predicament over and over again and each time he's having to surrender a favorite toy to the monster. Each time the little boy get more sad as he misses his favorite toys. Once again the little boy finds himself having to eat peas again dreading having to eat them the monster appears and this time asks for his dog, Ralph. Without even thinking he says no and begins to eat the peas on his plate. To the little boys amazement he actually enjoyed eating the peas and said that they tasted good. He then looked to the monster and told him that he wouldn't needed anymore and decided that he would always eat all the vegetables on his plate for now on.
Who would benefit for reading this book? : I think anyone who would read this great book would benefit from it. The readability of the book is simple for easy to intermediate readers and would make a great book to read aloud to children of all ages. One important theme that is taught is the important to try everything you do whether it be eating food or anything you do in life before you say you don't like it. Because it might not turn out as bad as it looks.
What problems/conflicts would this book potentially cause? : I don't there is any problems that this book would potentially cause.
My reaction: I enjoyed reading this book. This book had a certain rhythm to it's reading that makes this book enjoyable for readers of all ages. I especially enjoyed the illustrations of the book. I recommend this book to every parent who might be struggling with getting their own children to eat peas and any food like it.

posted by Jon Dale at 9:18 PM

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