I Loathe You, written and illustrated by David Slonim (Aladdin, 2012), tells the heart-warming story of Big Monster and Little Monster and the expanse of their loathing. With the typical pre-bedtime "I loathe you" uttered, Little Monster begins a series of questions about how much Big Monster loathes him. Big Monster has plenty of answers ready:
More than fuzzy mold on cheese,
more than fever or disease!
Picture lobsters pinching me...
I loathe you more -- now do you see?
Little Monster is reassured. But wait -- now he's worried that he might do something to diminish his father's loathing for him!
If I blurt out "THANKS," or "PLEASE"?
Or take a bath and kill my fleas?
If I should slip and just obey
then would your loathing go away?
Big Monster once again calms Little Monster's worries and assures him that his loathing will never go away.
What a hoot! I love a book with a twist, and this once certainly makes you feel warm and fuzzy about family loathing. :) Slonim's storytelling in rhyme is fun and well-paced, and he employs just the right amount of monsterly description to make you say "ew..." And his illustrations are equally important to the story: you feel for Little Monster with his snaggle-toothed lovey, and the colorful scenes have action and comedy and excellent framing.
I hope you enjoy!
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In other news, I have really been enjoying the treasure trove of ideas and wisdom that I've found in the newly-launched All the Wonders podcast (previously named the "Let's Get Busy" podcast).
I'm training for a trail run at the beginning of June, and, rather than listening to music while I run, I love listening to podcasts. It's killing two birds with one stone to be training AND absorbing information and inspiration. I know it won't all stick, but certain nuggets will. So thankful for this resource!
Happy Monday!
~Jen
Fun coincidence-We checked out I Loathe You from our library this week. I love Matthew Winner and all he does for kids and the books they love. He was kind enough to interview me on LGB when I released my first picture book last year. It is exciting to see how he and the other people behind All The Wonders are sharing their talents with us.
ReplyDeleteThat IS a funny coincidence. And I didn't know you'd been interviewed on LGB! But I just looked -- Episode 138. I plan to give it a listen!
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