Being a monster isn't all frightening villagers and sucking blood. Monsters have their trials, too. Poor Frankenstein's cupboard is bare, Wolfman is in need of some household help, and it's best not to get started on Dracula's hygiene issues. What could be scarier?

Nineteen hilarious poems delve into the secret lives of the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Bigfoot, Godzilla, and others. In a range of styles that pay homage to everyone from Charles Schulz to John James Audubon, the monstrously talented Adam Rex uncovers horrific — and clever — truths you won't want to miss.

"Lovers of silly pop-culture allusions will get a kick out of these monster spoofs. The title poem sets the parodic tone. Frankenstein's monster, pursued by torch-bearing villagers, feels sad to be despised: 'They threw tomatoes,/ pigs, potatoes,/ loaves of moldy bread./ And then a thought struck Frankenstein/ as pickles struck his head.' Instead of pitying himself, he thanks the mob and makes a Dagwood sandwich. In subsequent pages, Rex (Tree Ring Circus) — in a mocking spirit akin to Sendak et al.'s Mommy? — parodies wolfmen and vampires. A recurring joke features an aggravated Phantom of the Opera who cannot compose music except to the tunes of 'Pop Goes the Weasel' and other standards ('It's a small world after all./ Angry cursing fills the hall./ Now he's crawling up the wall./ It's a small, small world'); a goofy Dracula tale follows the bouncy meter of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Rex demonstrates a dizzying yet fitting variety of artistic styles, layouts and lettering. For instance, he styles a Jekyll and Hyde tale as a 19th-century illustrated newspaper, a photo collage imitates a Japanese monster flick, and a perfectly realized Richard Scarry bunny gazes sweetly at a yeti in a sendup of a Little Golden Book ('The Yeti Doesn't Appreciate Being Called Bigfoot'). Rex gives readers the pleasure of discovering punch lines on their own, and his droll, ultra-detailed paintings show he takes comedy seriously. Ages 5-10. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"The book is fresh, creative, and funny, with just enough gory detail to cause a few gasps. Kids will eat it up." School Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Readers will relish every gross and hilarious entry in this monstruous menu of misadventures....Here's a read-aloud candidate sure to elicit loud screams — but not of fright." Kirkus (Starred Review)

Nineteen hilarious poems delve into the secret lives of Frankenstein, Wolfman, Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Bigfoot, Godzilla, and others. Full color.

Adam Rex has illustrated several books for children, including the Lucy Rose series by Katy Kelly and The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.