Frankenstein

Gr 1–3—This parody takes on the rhyme scheme, rhythm, and plot of Ludwig Bemelmans's Madeline (Viking, 1967). In this version, Frankenstein "scared people out of their socks" and "…could even frighten rocks." His ugly monster classmates prowl the streets "in two crooked lines" and terrorize both the good and the bad. When Frankenstein loses his head one fateful evening, a masked Doctor Bone is summoned. Bemelmans's sunny yellow backgrounds have been exchanged for autumnal orange, the nun's habit traded for a white, militaristic lab coat and boots ensemble. The watercolor and digitally rendered monsters are more funny than scary, even at the climax, when, envious of Frankenstein's two new neck screws, his classmates shed their heads. Though the beleaguered Miss Devel tries to prevent the final page from turning, her headless charges have the last word as they raise signs of protest to readers in the final scene. The ideas and rhymes work most of the time, and the humor is irreverent and juvenile. Older children who know the earlier work will gobble this one up, proud of their literary prowess. Those who don't will think it's a silly story, perfect for Halloween. Giggles are guaranteed for both camps.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library