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Reviewed by:
  • Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster
  • Jeannette Hulick
Hood, Susan . Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster; illus. by Melissa Sweet. Wiseman/Simon, 2012. 34p. Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-4424-0601-8 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-4424-5243-5 $12.99 R 5-8 yrs.

Spike thinks he's one tough monster, with his "slithery tail," "spiky crown," and "stumpy teeth." Unfortunately his tiny size ("no bigger than a lily pad") means the other animals (el pato, el armadillo, and el campañol) find him more adorable than alarming, much to Spike's shame. When Spike—whom endnotes reveal to be a Mexican axolotl—stands up to a "real monster" (a Gila monster, who in fact just wants directions to his cousin's fiesta), the other animals gain new respect for the little guy. There's a pleasantly folkloric cast to this short, simple story; there's also considerable animal-story appeal, since readers can find out "More about Spike and His Amigos" at the book's end with photos and compelling factual tidbits depicting and describing the axolotl, gila monster, mexican vole, cinnamon teal duck, and nine-banded armadillo. A glossary of the Spanish words that are used is also included, and the bilingual aspect and informative end matter both serve to broaden the book's educational use. Sweet's gently comic watercolor, gouache, collage, and mixed-media illustrations feature plenty of aquatic blues and greens, and their subtle textures and details add interest. Use this in a lesson on unusual animals, Mexican fauna, or possibly include it in a monster-themed storytime to throw a nonfiction twist into that popular theme.

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