
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the complicated emotions of a new addition to the home, whether that is a new sibling, a new pet, or even a rival for a best friend's attention. This story follows the eccentric Angela Throgmorton and her hilariously unrefined monster companion, Tom, as their quiet life is disrupted by a potential new friend. It perfectly captures the prickly feelings of jealousy and the fear of being replaced in a way that feels safe and funny. While the humor is wonderfully absurdist and the illustrations are delightfully messy, the core of the book is about loyalty and the realization that love isn't a finite resource. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged children who appreciate a bit of naughtiness in their characters. Parents will find it a helpful tool for normalizing the 'ugly' feelings of envy, showing that even a 'monster' like Tom can find a secure place to belong despite his many flaws.
The book handles themes of displacement and jealousy metaphorically through the character of a monster. The approach is secular and highly comedic. While Tom's behavior is often poor, the resolution is hopeful and reinforces the stability of his 'found family' with Angela.
An 8-year-old who feels 'pushed out' by a younger sibling or a new pet. It's for the child who identifies more with the 'troublemaker' than the 'perfect child' and needs to see that they are still loved even when they are grumpy.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared for Leigh Hobbs's signature 'ugly-cute' art style, which involves some visual chaos and 'naughty' behavior that serves as a great talking point for what not to do. A parent might see their child acting out, being territorial over toys or attention, or expressing direct resentment toward a new family member or friend.
Younger children (7-8) will focus on the slapstick humor and Tom's ridiculous antics. Older children (9-10) will pick up on the satirical elements of Angela's parenting and the deeper anxieties regarding social hierarchy and replacement.
Unlike many 'new sibling' books that are sweet and earnest, this is unapologetically gross and funny. It validates the child's perspective that a newcomer is an annoying intruder before moving toward acceptance.
Angela Throgmorton lives a quiet, orderly life until Tom, a large and decidedly ill-mannered monster, arrives. In this installment, their bond is tested when a new character enters the fray, sparking a hilarious and poignant cycle of jealousy, sabotage, and eventual reconciliation as Tom learns what it means to truly share a home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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