Mostly Monty (review)

First grade is a daunting obstacle for Monty, whose severe asthma has kept him from socializing with other kids and who "wished he was someone else and not Monty." Five compact chapters chronicle Monty's gradual blossoming as he finds a pet that won't aggravate his asthma (a caterpillar), reclaims a teddy bear discarded by a neighbor, earns a niche as a finder of lost items at school, and heads up a club devoted to the study and support of kangaroos. Hurwitz displays her well-honed skill at addressing general kid concerns through vivid and specific scenarios: shy little Monty, "who could go for days without anyone noticing him," is believable both in his hesitancy and his growing confidence (his delight at his role of finder is particularly endearing and authentic). The text is reassuringly simple, which should invite novice readers, but the book will be most effective as a readaloud; though the events are gentle without being bland, there's enough drama per chapter to keep listeners absorbed. Black-and-white watercolors, in spot art and full-page views, make the cast endearingly rumpled as well as strongly individual.