Werewolves Don’t Keep Diaries

Sutherland (the Jordan and Max series) delivers a fresh, family- forward interpretation of monsters and monster-hunting in this effusive chapter book. Young Lou Chandra-Pine is tired of being one-upped by his prankster older brothers and dismissed by his wildlife specialist parents, who run a bat rescue service in the attic. Upon receiving a “musty old book” he couldn’t care less about as a birthday gift, Lou wishes to become “a total beast.” In the subsequent days, he begins journaling about the weird things he’s been experiencing lately, including suddenly extremely hairy feet, clipper-busting fingernails, and an overwhelming craving for steak. Afraid he’s actually turning into a beast, Lou flees to protect his family. Things for Lou go from bad to worse when, under a full moon, he transforms into a werewolf—and finds himself in a monster hunter’s crosshairs. Fully sculpted characters and authentic-feeling dialogue conjure a nuanced vision of a contemporary family that just so happens to find themselves in the company of monsters. Humorous b&w illustrations by Patel (the Asha and Baz series) depict friendly-faced creatures that inspire feelings of kinship rather than fear. Characters are shown with various skin tones. Ages 6–8. (Mar.)