Gargoyle on the Roof, The - Softcover

While the monsters are malodorous and the vampires vile, Prelutsky captures a full range of (superhuman) emotions in his poetry: the troll is lonely, the mother gargoyle is tender, and the werewolf laments his lost youth. As always, the poet's meter is perfect--never a stumbling or forced line--and children will revel in the playful rhythms of poems like "Gremlins":

When your pillow turns to pickles,
And there's honey on your head,
When you note an orange elephant
Reclining on your bed,
When you reach into your pocket
And withdraw a purple mouse,
These are early indications
There are gremlins in your house.

Very young children may be scared by the monsters and their unveiled threats to chase, devour, and pounce on their victims. But kids old enough to know a fake monster from a real one will adore this funny, gorgeous collection by two masterful artists. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright 1999 by Jack Prelutsky. Illustrations copyright 1999 by Peter Sis. Permission of Greenwillow Books.) (Ages 6 to 10) --Karin Snelson

Jack Prelutsky is the best-selling author of more than fifty books of poetry, including The New Kid on the Block, illustrated by James Stevenson, and Stardines Swim High Across the Sky, illustrated by Carin Berger. Jack Prelutsky lives in Washington State.