Scardey Kate

PreS-Gr 1—Kate thinks that her aunt's grumpy-looking bulldog, Cookie, is a monster to be feared. One day, Kate flees from the beast into the hall where she notices an unusual package in the nearby elevator. The package bears the label, "10th Floor." Before she knows it, the elevator doors have closed, and, on each new floor, an actual monster—one with three buggy eyes, one with four flapping wings, and one with five feathers—struts aboard. Kate survives the ride and, upon arriving on the 10th floor, is shocked to discover that the monsters are having an ice-cream party. The box that she has delivered is filled with sprinkles. The joy of the party inspires Kate to bring an ice-cream cone with sprinkles back to Cookie. With one inspired idea, Kate has made a new friend and faced her fear. The book also conveys the important message that sometimes what you fear might not in actuality be that scary. The illustrations are simple and bright, and young readers will delight in counting the strange features of the monsters as they enter the elevator. Grant has created a charming story that is attuned to the sensibilities of young children.—Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA