A Call To Cthulhu

Gr 5 Up–The Great Old One receives an irate call in this hilarious new rhyming tale that introduces the work of H.P. Lovecraft to younger readers. Cthulhu, the tentacled horror made famous by Lovecraft, sleepily answers a late-night call from someone who launches into a diatribe: “I hate your guts, Cthulhu/ I really, really do/ You and your stupid mythos/ And your Old Gods crew.” The caller lambastes Cthulhu and other facets of the Lovecraft mythos, including the Cats of Ulthar, the blind penguins, and the Necronomicon. Verses in bold black pop against watercolor illustrations of creepy creatures and eerie places. The rant has laugh-out-loud moments that provide context to those new to Lovecraft, with verses like, “You can keep your cursed city/ And give me a break” and “[T]ake a step closer/ So I can give you a wedgie.” A story and illustration key provide deeper context to each mention. A biography on Lovecraft discusses the author’s problematic views and how modern authors have been inspired by him without embracing his objectionable legacy.