Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show!

PreS-Gr 2–As in the previous books in this series, Hirst offers an endearing tale through text and screen-printed illustrations. When the story opens, monster siblings Natalie and Alphonse are packing for an overnight stay at Granny’s: each packs a favorite toy and older sister Natalie includes a toothbrush. Imaginative Alphonse, wearing a tutu and fairy wings, packs his frog suit and toy truck. Their family walks in the rain to Granny’s house, with Alphonse in the stroller and Natalie striding ahead with her own umbrella. Their visit starts well; the siblings decide to put on a play, and when they tire, Granny steps in with reassurances. The next day, there are pancakes, a joyful reunion, and the siblings present the play under the loving gaze of their family. The child-like perspective and well-chosen details work together to create engaging and relatable characters.