Monsters in the Fog

PreS-Gr 1–Hakim the donkey sets out on a journey up a mountain to deliver a hoof-knit sweater he has made for his friend Daisy. As Hakim begins his ascent and realizes that it is especially foggy, he encounters a goat who issues a dire warning about monsters on the mountain. Hakim remains undeterred, continuing his slow way up. As he climbs, he meets other animals whom he mistakes for monsters at first, but who turn out to be other scared travelers. Banding together with a dog, a pig, and even a tricycle-riding bear, Hakim gets to the summit, only to be confused for a monster by his friend Daisy, who also may not be what readers expect. Reminiscent of William Steig’s style, Bahrampour’s pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations are funny and expressive, wonderfully capturing the suspense of the journey, alarm at every encounter, and relief with a surprise twist at the end. The cartoonish humor of the drawings provides a perfect counterpart to the calm, concise language of the tale’s spare sentences, much as Hakim’s steady resolve provides counterpoint to the jitters of his companions.