Wanda's Monster

by Eileen Spinelli, Nancy Hayashi (Illustrator)

Wanda is afraid there's a monster in her closet. Her mom and dad say there's no such thing. But Granny, listening at the closet door, says, "Yep, I do believe there's one in there." Granny actually she feels sorry for the monster!

Genres: Picture Books, Monsters, Childrens, Fantasy

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Eileen Spinelli is an award-winning children's book author from southeastern Pennsylvania. She has written over 100 picture books and novels for children. Her husband is Jerry Spinelli, who also writes books for children.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Wanda becomes convinced that a monster is living in her closet, her parents do everything they can to convince her that there isn't, while her older brother makes fun of her for believing in monsters in the first place. Only her Granny believes her, suggesting that perhaps, rather than being afraid of the monster, Wanda should consider how it feels to live in a cold, dark closet. And so begins Wanda's gradual "adoption" of her monster, as she slowly shares her blessings - a soft pillow, a stuffed panda bear, the gift of stories - with her closeted friend. When Granny announces that the monster will soon be moving on, Wanda is distraught - until she thinks of the perfect new home for him...

Comparisons between Wanda's Monster and Mercer Mayer's There's a Nightmare in My Closet are probably inevitable, as both show a young child coping with their fear of the "thing" that lives in the closet - a thing that turns out to be as frightened as they are themselves. I appreciated the fact that Eileen Spinelli's heroine never really sees her monster, content to interact with him at a safe distance, as it underscores the fact that some things - even if we conquer our fear of them - remain a mystery. I also really liked that Wanda passes on the gift of compassion and insight, when it is her cousin Ruthie who is afraid. The watercolor illustrations by Nancy Hayashi are quite appealing, emphasizing the warmth of the family dynamic, rather than the sinister "what's in the closet?" aspect of the story. All in all, an engaging little book, ideal for those children who are afraid of the dark.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun twist on the "Monster in my closet" theme. Most of the adults in Wanda's life insist that there is NO monster in her closet. But Wanda's Grandma says, "Well, maybe there IS!" She then helps Wanda overcome her fear by explaining that monsters hide in dark, uncomfortable closets because they are shy. Now, Wanda looks at the monster in a whole new light! While there is nothing really remarkable in the "telling" (words or pictures) of this story, I appreciated the message. So many times, kids fears are just "dismissed" but Wanda's Grandma validates Wanda while at the same time helping her to overcome her fears.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a twist on the standard "monster in the closet" plot.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing how our feelings can change when we have a different perspective. When Wanda looks at life from a Monster's perspective she changes how she acts. This is a great book to read when to help children strengthen their skill of seeing things from other people's perspectives.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

New twist on overcoming nighttime fears -- very clever grandma

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the monster in this and got choked up at the final page. Will need to check out more Eileen Spinelli--Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch was so perfect, and this was good, too.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about reworking how you think about things.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda is afraid there is a monster in her closet. She is not convinced there isn't even when her father and mother both look. But Wanda's grandmother agrees there could be a monster. Granny asks Wanda how she would like being cooped up in a cold dark closet? She goes on to explain that monsters are shy. So Wanda throws a pillow, coloring book and crayons, a teddy bear and a toy into the closet so the monster won't be so alone. Then she decides to read stories out loud so that the monster can hear. She even feeds it cookies so the monster won't get hungry.

Then Granny tells Wanda not to get too attached because monsters don't stay in one closet for more than 17 days. Wanda gives the monster her favorite scarf and the address of a house close by so that he won't have to travel very far in the cold.

The next morning, her aunt called to say that her cousin Ruthie was screaming about a monster in her closet. Hmmmm.....

[Monster]

Wanda is certain she has a monster in her closet. Her parents are certain she doesn’t. Granny, however, listens at the closet door and confirms it. Just as Wanda runs to hide, Granny points out that closet monsters have a bad reputation for a reason, “How would you like to live in a cold, dark closet?” What happens next is a surprise for both Wanda and her monster. Spinelli treats Granny, Wanda, and her monster with respect and humor, and Nancy Hayashi’s colorful, almost cartoony illustrations, will reassure children that they have nothing to fear, and quite a bit to enjoy, with Wanda ‘s Monster.

Review by Kirsten Kowalewski

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unusual text. The story of grandmother who, rather than dispelling her grandchild's fear of the monster living in her closet, encourages her granddaughter to develop a sympathetic relationship with said monster. Then, when the inevitable bond forms, the monster decides to pack and move on to a new closet belonging to the child's cousin from down the street so that the process can begin again. I liked it.

[Miss Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

GR Level: J

NOT AVAILABLE

Wanda is pretty sure that she has a monster in her closet. Mom and Dad tell her there is nothing there, but Grandma tells her it is possible. Find out how Wanda overcomes her fear of her monster and actually gives a gift to it when it has to move on.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanda is pretty sure that she has a monster in her closet. Mom and Dad tell her there is nothing there, but Grandma tells her it is possible. Find out how Wanda overcomes her fear of her monster and actually gives a gift to it when it has to move on.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a monster in Wanda's closet! Dad scams the closet with his flashlight and says there isn't a monster. But Grandmother says there might be a monster, poor thing, stuck in a cold, dark, lumpy closet, alone.
Wanda thinks about her lonely, uncomfortable monster and decides to help.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle story about making friends with your fears and developing empathy for those who seem different (and frightening).

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Monster story for prek.

[Sandy McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to model this grandmother and her clever support more than the one in Something to Tell the Grandcows. Love the legacy that starts in this one.

[Cws]

JEPIC-Spi

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for any kid who has ever been afraid there is a monster in the closet