Monster Nanny

In this off-kilter fantasy from Finnish author Tolonen, Halley, Koby, and Mimi Hellman’s mother heads off to Lapland for two weeks after winning a contest. The prize includes a live-in nanny for the children, but this nanny is a monster, part of a “secret special experiment... researching new options for child care work.” Since the children’s father is expected home imminently (the siblings call him “Invisible Voice” because he travels so much), their mother reluctantly leaves them in the care of the monster, a supremely hairy and dirty creature that can’t communicate with them. Mimi’s talking bathrobe (in case nonhuman nannies weren’t unexpected enough) offers clues about the monster, and a library book comes in handy, too. But when a flying “monster mosquito” shows up and the children meet other kids who have been left with monster nannies, it becomes clear that something nefarious is going on. The upbeat tone, oddball details, and Pitkänen’s humorous b&w cartoons combine to create a strange but entertaining romp that will surprise readers at every turn. Ages 7–10. (Nov.)