Valensteins Gettin’ Some Lovin’

Even monsters need some lovin’ in Valensteins by Ethan Long.  Part of mostly stand-alone titles, the members of Fright Club do not understand the concept of love. After all who wants to be mushy and all that? However, one member has a different idea about love.

This a straight forward story about how sometimes friends do not always do what the others do. But when something is worthwhile, you will do it regardless what others think. The story itself is funny and simple. Of course, the concept is anything but simple. The way the characters are presented you can interpret them to be in “romantic love” or “friendship love.” The story is traditional with the “boy-monster meets girl-monster/the monsters enjoy each other in a special friendship” concept. The illustrations are perfect for the book. Wonderfully light-hearted, simple and fun. Look closely and there are also little things to see in them as well.  A laugh-out loud (or for sure a loud chuckle now and again) story makes for happy monsters and children alike!

Give this to a child instead of candy this Valentine’s Day and it will continue to be a nice anytime book. The treat lasts all year long. Play along with your child and ask them what they think Fran is making: Could it be a mask with fangs? A big pink nose? Or maybe a paper butt? After finding out the answer, you can then make your own paper butts, I mean Valentines for your loved ones.