"Two Monsters", written by David McKee, is about two monsters that live on the opposite side of each other, separated by a mountain. They talk to each other, but often have disagreements. They argue about whether the night is leaving or if the day is arriving. The argument starts to get worse and worse by calling each other horrible names such as "smelly" or a "empty-headed mess." The feeling of being separated increases their awareness of their difference in opinion. They start to throw huge rocks at one another and eventually break down the mountain that was separating them. They see each other for the first time and realize that the other person's view was actually right, so they come to a compromise and become friends. What I also find as striking is that the monsters are opposite colors; one is blue and one red, showing another crucial difference between them. This would be a wonderful book to read to children as an opportunity to teach them about anger and perception. ( )

war, fighting, monsters, picture books, storytime, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s