About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with family dynamics, specifically the frustration that comes with a younger or more privileged relative who seems to get away with everything. It provides a safe, exaggerated outlet for those feelings of sibling-like rivalry and the desire for a little bit of payback. The story follows Evan, who is pushed to his breaking point by his genius cousin Kermit and decides to use a mysterious green slime called Monster Blood to play a prank. While the book is a horror-comedy, it deeply explores themes of responsibility and the unintended consequences of acting out of anger. As Evan accidentally grows to a giant size, the story shifts from a prank gone wrong to a lesson in self-control and accountability. It is a fast-paced, entertaining read for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy spooky thrills mixed with relatable middle-grade problems and a heavy dose of slapstick humor.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: There is a scene where Evan, as a giant, is hunted by the police and terrified that he will be hurt or captured. The physical sensation of growing and clothes ripping might be unsettling for very sensitive readers. 2. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the ethics of 'pranking.' Evan's desire for revenge is relatable, but the escalation of the conflict provides an opening to talk about more productive ways to handle annoying relatives or unfair family power dynamics.
Ideal Reader
A 9-year-old who feels overshadowed by a 'perfect' sibling or cousin and needs a silly, spooky way to process their feelings of unfairness.
Parent Prep
This is a light, episodic horror read that can be read cold. No specific previewing is necessary for most children in the target age group. A child acting out of pure spite and using a dangerous substance to get even with another child.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will find the physical transformations and the 'slime' aspect most exciting. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the social satire of the 'genius kid' trope and the irony of Evan's predicament.
What Makes It Special
Unlike other Goosebumps books that focus on external monsters, this one turns the protagonist into the monster, externalizing his internal anger through physical growth.
Read plot summary
Evan Ross is stuck babysitting his cousin Kermit, a child prodigy who constantly pranks Evan and gets him in trouble with his aunt and uncle. Desperate for revenge, Evan and his friend Andy use 'Monster Blood,' a sentient green slime. However, Kermit is too smart for their traps. In a moment of impulsive frustration, Evan accidentally consumes some of the substance and begins growing uncontrollably, eventually reaching the height of a house. He must navigate his giant body while trying to find a way to shrink back down before the police or military intervene.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Evan feels like he is always the one getting in trouble while Kermit gets away with everything. Have you ever felt like things weren't fair in your family? How did you handle it?
2
At one point, Evan wants to use the Monster Blood to scare Kermit. Do you think his plan was fair, or did he go too far?
3
When Evan grows into a giant, he realizes that being big and powerful isn't as great as he thought it would be. What are some of the problems he faces as a giant?
4
Kermit is a 'genius,' but he uses his brain to trick people. Is being smart the same as being kind? How could Kermit have used his intelligence differently?
