Monster viewerGadget lovers will adore Super-Duper Monster Viewer by award-winning writer, illustrator and broadcaster, Kevin Sylvester. Designed to look like a tablet, this quirky picture book claims to give readers the ability to see all the monsters that lurk around us. The owner’s manual on the opening page provides a clear list of rules including, “Hold viewer very, very steady”, and an even clearer warning, “Don’t make monsters mad.” Like any new device, this innovative Viewer takes some getting used to. A green, spiky-horned ogre and his shaggy, purple pal appear out-of-focus on the simulated screen, and tech support is provided by the monster subjects themselves. Speech bubbles coach the reader: “No! No! No! Try aiming lower.” After much shaking and maneuvering of the equipment, the shots are still amiss, and the impatient hairy models start to wreak havoc. Luckily, there is a built-in, auto-repair mode.  Simply reopen the book to reboot.

Kevin Sylvester’s digitally created illustrations are packed with laugh-out-loud details, like a close-up view of monster-sized nose hairs, and a faux literary medal, “New Scary Honor”, affixed to the cover. This funny parody of new technology also gets a warty, thumbs-up from the “Monster Safety Council.” Put down your iPad, Super-Duper Monster Viewer is pure interactive fun.

Linda Ludke is a librarian at London Public Library. Her reviews have appeared in Quill and Quire, School Library Journal and CM:  Canadian Review of Materials.  When she’s not reading and writing she also loves searching for vintage treasures.

 

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