Monster on the Hill

Lots of folks enjoy a good scare, and that's certainly true of the inhabitants of the alternate England in this goofy adventure from Harrell, creator of the comic strip Big Top. The year is 1867, and monsters are terrorizing England's towns--much to the delight of their citizens (it's great for tourism). The one exception is Stoker-on-Avon (one of many nods to classic literature that Harrell tucks into the story), whose monster, Rayburn, is rather depressed. "Day 536 Without Monster Attack," shouts a newspaper headline. "Disappointment Palpable in Streets." It's up to a semi-disgraced scientist/inventor, Dr. Charles Wilkie, and Timmy, a "town crier/street urchin," to help Rayburn get his groove (and growl) back. Harrell's exuberant, cinematic cartooning plays up the fun of his mashup concept; despite the 19th-century setting, the dialogue is determinedly modern (with references to Hot Pockets, group hugs, and "deep tissue work") in a way that recalls the Shrek films. But the anachronisms in no way damper the fun--the jokes pile up as quickly as the carnage when Rayburn monsters up to save his town. Ages 10-up. (July)

Gr 3-5--Families from the town of Stoker-on-Avon are forced to go on vacation to get a decent monster thrill since their own monster inspires very little fear. In an effort to help him get back his confidence, a lovable, scrappy orphan and a mad genius doctor take him on a journey to reunite with other monster friends. Unfortunately this leaves their town open to attack by the dreaded Murk. The three manage to save the day without any real gore or over-the-top violence. This amusing tale set in an 1860s England in which every town has its own monster will please elementary students. Harrell's cartooning style is colorful and approachable. While it is not particularly innovative, it is well suited to the light and humorous story. The dialogue is full of witty quips and an interesting mix of modern British slang and formal old-fashioned phrasing. Harrell is best known for his syndicated comics, and his first stand-alone book will appeal to children looking for a funny adventure.--Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK