Aleksandrova presents a picture-book fantasy about a monster who discovers the power in being unique.

Lorry, desperate to scare children like other monsters, is unfortunately incredibly cute and fuzzy. After attempting to muddy his fur and eat gross foods to color his teeth, Lorry seeks answers from self-help books. He learns some tips about what scares children, which leads him to experiment with spooky sounds, showing off his tiny claws, and making strange movements. But instead of screams of terror, Lorry’s tests elicit giggles or even hugs, which devastates him. By chance, Lorry learns that he has the rare ability to terrify the absolute scariest of creatures, which changes everything. This book is reminiscent of other kid-friendly monster stories, but it provides a positive message. Aleksandrova’s charming spin on creature lore will inspire smiles and chuckles, and the sparse text and simple vocabulary are sure to make for entertaining read-alouds at home or in a classroom. The words also appear in various locations on each page to keep curious eyes moving. Bright, colorful illustrations, filled with humor and puns, offer strong visual storytelling and maintain an upbeat tone.

A fun monster tale that’s well-suited to its young audience.