#365PictureBooks 72. Tamara Small and the Monsters' Ball by Giles Paley-Phillips, illustrated by Gabriele Antonini

Paley-Phillips, G., & Antonini, G. (2012). Tamara Small and the Monsters' Ball. Pulborough, UK: Maverick Arts.

ISBN: 9781848861008
Pages: 32
Age Level: Early Childhood 0-6
Genre: Picture Storybook
Rating: 5 stars

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One night when Tamara Small can't sleep she is whisked away by a hairy monster and taken to the mysterious Monsters' Ball for an evening of fun she will never forget! 

Starting off in a spooky rhyme that is just full of building tension, we find Tamara clutching her ted and unable to sleep.  Suddenly a big hairy arm comes snaking in and grabs poor Tamara.

With the illustrations done in lots of dark tones to help build the feeling of fear, the only bit of brightness is Tamara in her bright pink PJ's.

Suddenly the tone of the illustrations changes.  Although they are still quite dark, depicting night time, they have a brightness to them - more of a friendly party atmosphere.

The rhyme also changes, taking on a questioning tone before moving into an energetic fun filled one and finally a sleepy bed-time feeling.

The font is large and easily read, while the language used is appropriate for younger children with no big confusing words.  With a variation in font size to help the reader give emphasis to the story, this is also a great book for older children to read to their younger buddies. 

Another great monster book a for bed-time read-aloud.  Kids will love the rhyme and the awesome illustrations.  I love these types of picture books ... they give kids a great introduction to poetry, and the joy that can be found in word-play, as well as showing kids that monsters don't have to be scary things.  Books are to be enjoyed, and they can come in all shapes, sizes and genres.

I got my copy of Tamara Small and the Monsters' Ball from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

Oops!  I wasn't able to find a copy at Napier Libraries.