Night of the Veggie Monster

I just borrowed this from the Library today and my 2 and 4 year old sons loved it! My 4 year old had me read it to him several times and he was cracking up through the whole book. We'll definitely be purchasing a copy for ourselves!

I am a Kindergarten teacher and after I read this book to my students, I ended up purchasing multiple copies to share with them. I love this book! My students love this book! I highly recommend this book!!!

I can relate to kids who don't like their vegetables. I've been slow in coming around myself. As a kid, I was known to pull the old switcharoo and hide the veggies in the nearest napkin. "Night of the Veggie Monster" uses humor, inventive illustrations, and descriptive language in an attempt to reach kids who don't like the green stuff.

The story is told from the perspective of our unnamed protagonist and veggie disliker. Upon receiving his dinner plate containing three peas, his "we've been through this before" parents know what to expect. Our hero tries one of the peas and the transformation begins. Wiggly fingers, curled up toes, and watery eyes all lead up to the main event: full fledged veggie monster. The change does not last long however, as the monster eventually swallows said pea, realizing that maybe they're not as bad as he first thought.

The way the main character deals with the consumption of a solitary pea is something kids will identify with:

As the pea rests in my mouth, my eyes begin to water.

That's a great line, and one that true veggie haters will relate to. You don't want to touch the food with your tongue, you don't want to chew, you just kind of let it rest there in your mouth while you figure out what to do next.

The mixed media illustrations stand out for their originality. McClements creates a world where photographs mingle with simple line drawings. The characters appear to be drawn on brown paper, cut out, and placed in their surroundings. It's a unique touch.

While I have yet to test it out, "Night of the Veggie Monster" is a likely pick for storytime. It's vivid descriptions are ripe for the interpretin'. A solid picture book selection.

McClements, George. Night of the Veggie Monster. Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books. 2008.

Parents prepare for the usual dramatic performance of their child who has to eat a food item he does not like, in this instance a pea. One parent says, "Time for another fun-filled hour." The child murmurs, "They have no idea what one tiny pea does to me." His wiggling fingers, watering eyes, and twisting toes threaten to turn him into " a veggie monster!" Fortunately, the child decides that maybe a pea is not that bad but watch out - what about the vegetable that is scheduled to be served on the next night? Mixed media illustrations showcase the food items that look like they have been clipped from a glossy magazine: enormous peas, chicken drumstick, and mashed potatoes. The parents and child look like they are cut out of brown paper bags: their cartoon features represent the humor expressed in the text very effectively.

FYI. "All papers used by Bloomsbury U.S.A. are natural, recyclable products made from wood grown in well-managed forests." Fantastic!

A truly great book for children of all eating habits. Both my children (2 and 4 years old) really enjoy the story and colorful illustrations. Not only does it make bedtime reading more fun, but I've noticed that both children are playfully more adventurous in trying new foods - especially vegetables. I hope there is a sequel: "night of the picking up my room monster!"