Review: Monsters Beware!

As March begins, teachers and librarians may start thinking about celebrating Women’s History Month. And while a graphic novel about a feisty fictional heroine may not exactly fit the bill, it does celebrate strong women.

Monsters Beware!
By Rafael Rosado. Jorge Aguirre
First Second. 2018. ISBN 9781626721807
PBK, $14.99. 170pp.
Grades 3 and up

Readers of other Claudette books, Giants Beware! and Dragons Beware!, Will be ecstatic to see Claudette and her friends return for another adventure. This time our spunky yet flawed heroine is thrilled that the Warrior Games is returning to Mont Petit Pierre, after they were banned from the games for using magic to fight the monsters.

Claudette is certain she can win, but though she cons her way into competing, she insists that her brother Gaston and best friend Marie compete with her. The games change, and instead of death defying monsters, there is butter churning, mushroom picking, and table setting as competitions. But unbeknownst to the trio, there are true monsters in the game who are determined to free the frozen and evil wizard Grombach.

The adventures of Claudette, Gaston, and Marie are fraught with suspense and filled with humor. The books are so much fun! The artwork, which can easily be envisioned on a Saturday morning cartoon, is animated and vivid. The book’s happy ending promises more adventure.

Readers of Mega Princess, The Courageous Princess, and Princeless will also want to read about Claudette’s adventures. And though she might not be the ultimate heroine in this title, another strong female lead emerges with Marie’s ingenuity during the book’s climax.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews