Becks is constantly in motion. If you've ever dealt with a child like her, you know what a challenge is can be to channel that energy in a positive manner. Kudos to author Sarah Sparks for not only this cute story of how Becks learns that constantly moving, or bouncing in her case, can be not just annoying to other but painful. I mean, she almost gets fried when she bounces to the sun. Now true, she did get to wave at a bewildered alien in the process but, well, still. As most parents with a hyperactive or simply overly energetic child can tell you, when that energy leads to a crash, mental or physical, it isn't necessarily pretty. The mess Becks leaves in her bouncy wake definitely isn't. And, whoa, good move, author, you show Becks having to clean up her own mess, not someone else. With action comes responsibility is a good thing to show.
Becks doesn't mean to create a problem with her bouncing, of course. It's just a part of her. That's an important thing for those involved with super energetic children to remember. They aren't born knowing how to control that energy. Fortunately, this book offers some answers. Told in rhyme that bounces along itself as read aloud, it shows not only the glee Becks briefly feels bouncing, but her recognition of the mess she leaves behind. The artwork is simple and playful, using basic colors. Illustrator Vendez even manages to capture a dazed look on, among others, a one-eyed monster on a slide's reaction to the whirlwind that is Becks passing through the playground. Good use of subtle humor, therefore, in both words and pictures. The drawing of Becks with the cake on her head and horns is adorable, I must note.
Targeted at ages 3-8, "The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street" uses this humor and rhythm to help children perhaps recognize themselves in Becks. No, parents can laugh with their children as they agree, no, they can't bounce to the sun, but the child (and adults) may see themselves in Becks. The author suggests alternative ways to engage that high energy at the end, such as jogging, a trampoline, and more, including the value of simply being still via a yoga pose. In addition, the website MonstersOnMillStreet.com offers up free activities, downloads, and interactive videos encouraging active but controlled play, so to speak. Resources for both public and home school settings are also shared.
Bottom line, a bouncy fun book with some subtle life and learning suggestions. This one would be fun to read to a child or, hmm, perhaps as a gift to someone with an energetic child? Thanks #NetGalley and #ViaNovaProductions for this fun new series. Can't wait to bounce (couldn't resist, sorry) into the other intriguing characters of Mill Street.
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