School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-2-Annie's new backpack has pink and blue flowers, a zipper, and a monster inside. She is startled and frightened when she first discovers the creature, but summons the courage to look at it again and learns that it has eaten most of her lunch and doesn't like to be alone. She keeps the backpack at her desk, where the monster leaves chewed gum in her boot and shreds her homework to make confetti for an "ANNIE-IS-GREAT PARADE." This warmhearted gesture wins the girl's heart, and she refuses an offer to trade for a friend's sedate green backpack. The zany story is written in simple, clear language and is supported with bold, digital cartoon art. The text is a tad longer than usual easy-reader fare, but the school setting and the endearing orange monster make it an acceptable addition.-Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
(Primary) Annie opens her new flowered backpack and finds a monster inside. Not a scary monster, but a wisecracking, annoying one who eats her lunch, puts bubblegum in her boots, and doesn't like to be left alone. Annie contemplates trading backpacks with her friend Kate, who sports a serviceable plain green one devoid of any exasperating residents. But when the monster makes confetti out of Annie's homework to create an Annie-Is-Great parade, Annie decides, ""My backpack is silly and messy and big trouble. But I love my backpack."" Episodes work like scenes in a television show, highlighting a specific incident before fading out and moving to a new one. This pattern allows a few issues, such as cleaning up the bubblegum, to be introduced for laughs but remain unresolved. Large capital letters signal the beginning of a new episode, helpfully alerting young readers to appropriate places to stop and start their reading. Uncluttered digital illustrations mirror the plot and writing style, outlining major events while creating distinguishing facial expressions. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
