The Monster in the Mattress/El monstruo en el colchón y otros cuentos

Gr 3—5—With the word "monster" in its title, this book is sure to be picked up by children looking for scary stories. However, the six short stories are more about everyday mysteries than monsters or ghosts. In "Abuela's Mystery Footprints in the Flour," a grandmother is perplexed by small footprints that appear across the surface of the flour she will use to bake a cake. It is later discovered that her grandchildren have been dipping frogs in the flour tin to better see them hopping in the grass. The title story is about two brothers who hear sounds coming from their mattress. It turns out that their pet rabbit has dug a hole in it and is trying to get out. Other stories involve puzzling mysteries with simple explanations and resolutions. The selections are short and will hold the attention of children who struggle with longer chapter books. The Spanish translation maintains the sense of mystery in the English version. Children may be disappointed by the lack of real monsters and ghosts, but the scenarios are amusing and universal and should have wide appeal.—Roberto Zapata, San Antonio Public Library, TX