We Wish for a Monster Christmas

Gr 1–3—This narrative poem is intended to be sung to the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and it easily fits the familiar melody. Opening endpapers show various monsters as advertised in a catalog, with the one called Furzilla circled and accompanied by the words "This one! Love it!" A girl and her younger brother dream of all the fun they could have with their very own monster. When the suggestion is met with refusal from Dad, the siblings visit Santa, who assures them that since they've been good all year, it will be delivered. The promise is fulfilled, but of course, the monster wreaks havoc. The solution: put him outside. Furzilla adapts well to the backyard and even helps with some of the more arduous chores. Best of all, the kids still get to have fun with him. But that's no reason to not start thinking of what they want next Christmas—closing endpapers give a glimpse of the future possibilities.