This book captivates children through Hubie’s hilarious anxiety and his monstrous, pun-filled descriptions of school authority figures. The tension between his wild imagination and the safe reality of the classroom creates a satisfying, humorous payoff. Books in this family share over-the-top visual metaphors, witty wordplay, and relatable fears about the unknown.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a transition to a new school or is expressing fear about a new authority figure, such as a principal or teacher. It addresses the common childhood anxiety of the unknown and the way rumors can distort our perception of reality. Through the lens of Hubie's overactive imagination, the story explores how we project our fears onto others before we actually meet them. Hubie writes a wild story about Miss Demeanor, the new vice principal, imagining her as a literal monster. While the imagery is fantastical and humorous, the emotional core is deeply relatable for elementary students. Parents will appreciate how the book uses humor to de-escalate anxiety and provides a natural opening to discuss the difference between rumors and reality. It is a perfect choice for 6 to 9 year olds who enjoy silly, slightly spooky stories but need a gentle reminder that things are rarely as scary as they seem.
