Monsters Love School

The pickle-shaped monsters introduced in Austin’s Monsters Love Colors demonstrate how great school is. A scribbly blue monster, however, clutches his lunchbox in wide-eyed terror as his more upbeat friends pass the gangly crossing guard. But once Blue makes a superhero mask, learns about “Our Founding Monsters” during Mrs. Hiss’s “Hissstory classs,” and takes part in Singing Club, he has a change of heart: “I love Monster School!” By human standards, it’s a pretty sudden transformation, but readers with similar trepidations may still find encouragement. Ages 4–8. (July)