Love Monster and the Last Chocolate (Love Monster #3)

Everybody knows that monsters seriously love chocolate," so Bright's Love Monster, back in a third book, is thrilled to find a box of chocolates on his doorstep. But Love Monster's mind quickly starts racing: should he share the candy? "What if someone took the one he wanted most?" After Love Monster hides out at home, his conscience catches up with him; just as he's ready to pass the chocolates around to his best friends, he learns that, this time, sharing is unnecessary. Bright's story skirts the edge of being too message-heavy, but the infectious energy of her cartooning and narration keeps things silly and fun. Ages 2-4. (Dec.)

PreS-Gr 2—Hairy, bright red, and sort of cuddly, Love Monster comes home from vacation to find a box of chocolates waiting at his door. Being a serious chocoholic, he contemplates the wonders of the box, imagining all of his favorites, and tries to decide if he should share his good fortune with his friends. What if there aren't enough? What if he's left with the icky coffee-flavored piece? Resolving to keep the sampler all to himself, he takes it inside the house, until he has a "queasy-squeezy feeling in his heart" and knows that he is doing something wrong. Opting to share the treats, he runs out and discovers not only how important his friends are to him but also how important he is to them. This is the third book featuring Love Monster, and like the previous installments, it features large, colorful illustrations that accompany a feel-good tale. VERDICT A sweet and tender storytime read-aloud.—Jane Hebert, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL