Bartholomew and the Morning Monsters

Mornings can be difficult, and peach-skinned Bartholomew is having a particularly tough one. After a group of monsters have a “wild rumpus” in the child’s room each night, he must somehow get ready for school. But the monsters aren’t ready to quit, and Bartholomew’s morning routine quickly disintegrates: a yellow monster slimes his school clothes, and the creatures gang up to keep the kid from brushing his teeth, eating breakfast, or even peeing in peace. Dad can’t see the monsters, but he recognizes that his child is tearful and frustrated, and provides the assistance Bartholomew needs to feel confident and in control again. This is a solid children’s debut for both creators: Berger’s text offers dry commentary (“Breakfast was, frankly, a disaster”), and cartooning by van Vliet, with its black outlines and flat, bright colors, packs both a vivid spontaneity and an emotional punch. It’s a spot-on depiction of what it’s like to wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and the chaos is funny and relatable for anyone who has temporarily misplaced their morning get-up-and-go. Ages 3–6. [em](Aug.) [/em]