The Monster in the Mattress and Other Stories / El monstruo en el colchón y otros cuentos

by Diane Deanda, Josue Gonalez-Gutierrez (Translator)

Overview

Seven-year-old Rudi looks up to his big brother Tony, who isn't afraid to sleep in the dark. Tony humors Rudi, allowing him a night light next to his bed in the room they share—especially after reading scary stories at bedtime. But when his bed starts shaking in the night, even brave Tony is sure a spooky creature has inhabited it. With their parents' help, the boys discover the real monster in the mattress is furry and has long ears! "It's a mystery to me," is a common refrain heard in the six stories included in this bilingual collection for young readers as children and their families are faced with odd mysteries in their daily lives. Abuela can't understand why there are odd indentations in her flour container. But it all becomes clear when her grandchildren's frog races feature very white frogs that are easily seen in the green grass! Ten-year-old Mario—or Mario the Magnificent—delights in doing magic shows for his family. But one trick goes inexplicably awry when Pinky the hamster really disappears during the finale! Children take the lead in these amusing and entertaining stories as they try to solve mystifying puzzles that occur in day-to-day activities. The conundrums—frequently involving pets and loving family members—are sure to grab the interest of early readers, whether reading the stories on their own or in the warmth of their parents' laps.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781558856936
Publisher:	Arte Publico Press
Publication date:	04/28/2011
Edition description:	English/Spanish-language Edition
Pages:	90
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Language:	Spanish
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

[This is] for reluctant readers in need of clear, basic narrative structure. . . as well as language learners who would embrace the option of flipping back and forth between the English and Spanish versions.

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Gr 3–5—With the word "monster" in its title, this book is sure to be picked up by children looking for scary stories. However, the six short stories are more about everyday mysteries than monsters or ghosts. In "Abuela's Mystery Footprints in the Flour," a grandmother is perplexed by small footprints that appear across the surface of the flour she will use to bake a cake. It is later discovered that her grandchildren have been dipping frogs in the flour tin to better see them hopping in the grass. The title story is about two brothers who hear sounds coming from their mattress. It turns out that their pet rabbit has dug a hole in it and is trying to get out. Other stories involve puzzling mysteries with simple explanations and resolutions. The selections are short and will hold the attention of children who struggle with longer chapter books. The Spanish translation maintains the sense of mystery in the English version. Children may be disappointed by the lack of real monsters and ghosts, but the scenarios are amusing and universal and should have wide appeal.—Roberto Zapata, San Antonio Public Library, TX

School Library Journal