Whether one looks at a public library’s shelves or peruses the app store, monster-themed books remain a popular choice in kids’ publishing. Digital Leaf’s My Monster Mayhem shares a little girl’s monster-filled adventure through her own home. The story, which is aimed at toddlers through kids in early elementary school isn’t just for Halloween.
Written by Anita Pouroulis with illustrations by Sholto Walker, the digital version of My Monster Mayhem was released before the book’s print version.
As soon as the reader opens My Monster Mayhem he is asked to choose a narrator. Will it be Glenda Wragg (an adult, Leela Kapoor (a child), or no narrator? It’s a little confusing to place this pop-up at the start of the story, and since as the reader has no idea who either of these people are it’s odd to give them names. However, both narrators read the story well.
There are 20 monsters hidden in the pages of My Monster Mayhem. Collecting all 20 unlocks a bonus game. My 8-year-old daughter, who was home from school courtesy of Hurricane Sandy, had no problem finding them. If you get stuck the app tells you on which page they remain, then return to the home screen to play the bonus jigsaw game.
The young narrator explains how all the things her mum thinks are her fault are really caused by monsters. Monsters splash water on the floor, mess up her closets, keeps her from finishing her peas, and leave all the lights on.
In the end the little girl decides it is up to her to protect the house from all of the house by dressing up as a superhero.
Download My Monster Mayhem from the App Store for $4.99.
What I liked: The monsters have great names. The floss monster is Broncus Dentus, and the night monsters are Nocto-No-Noes, while the hideous and toothless Lumpa-Loofis lives under the bed.
What I didn't like: Much of the story’s progression is predictable, then the reader never gets to see the little girl take any action as a super hero. Instead it simply ends. Sholto Walker’s illustrations are a bit derivative. The main character is a cross between Angelica from the Rugrats and Lola from Lauren Child’s Charlie and Lola series.
To buy or not to buy: My Monster Mayhem is neither the most original children’s story, nor is it so singular that it is a must-own title. However, kids will be charmed by Monster Mayhem’s clever creatures.
- App Name: My Monster Mayhem
- Version Reviewed: 1.0.o
- Category: Books
- Developer: Digital Leaf
- Price: $4.99
- Score:
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