The Monster in the Backpack (review)

Annie's new backpack comes with pink and blue flowers, a zipper, and, much to her surprise, a monster. After discovering the little backpack monster, Annie then negotiates a schoolday with her new companion, who likes to eat her lunch, sleep in her boot, and stay in the backpack under Annie's desk rather than being banished to the closet. Annie is tempted to trade her troublemaking backpack for her friend Kate's placid green bag, especially after Annie's monster rips up her homework and hurls the confetti all over Annie's desk in a "parade"; when the tearful monster informs an angry Annie that the mess was the "Annie-is-great" parade, however, she forgives her endearing if troublemaking new friend. The text is pared down but still spirited and funny, with entertaining particulars and one-liners; a few kids may note the parallel between the behavior of the monster and that of a little sibling, but most will just relish the idea of a secret backpack pal, no matter how mischievous. Though the digital art relies overmuch on slightly muddy if sophisticated tones and the flat perspective never really gives the stripy little monster his visual due, the illustrations' cartoony lightheartedness is nonetheless appealing. This will be an offbeat alternative to easy readers depicting more orthodox friendships.