The Horn Book Guide

PRESCHOOL

Spinelli, Eileen

Wanda's Monster

32 pp. | Whitman | September, 2002 | Trade ISBN 0-8075-8656-0 $$15.95

(2) PS Illustrated by Nancy Hayashi. When Wanda suspects a monster is in her closet, Mom and Dad search the closet and come to the same conclusion: "No monster in there." Only Granny admits: "There could be a monster." Spinelli takes one small childhood crisis and treats it respectfully and without hysteria. The illustrations follow the action amid a background of household clutter and activity. This quiet story politely deals with Wanda's fears.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003