The Angriest Monster on Mill Street, by author Sarah Sparks , Sypha Vendez (Illustrator)

Available October 2, 2023

Well, now I know who to blame the next time Alaska has an earthquake. Just kidding, of course, but, oh, my, Albie does manage to set off a chain reaction of destruction when he blows up. In this case, he blows up literally in size, I might note, as his anger grows, he. grows. I must admit to not being quite as drawn to this book in the series but that's probably natural. We don't like being around angry people. That in itself is a lesson of sorts for children to be lead to understand. As for Albie....

It was interesting to see the five senses being used as a means of calming anger. From another review, I gather that is actually a coping method used for such emotional blow-ups. After showing how others are impacted by his anger, Albie is lead to recognize the damage he's doing not just to himself but others who are both bewildered and even frightened by his gigantic, uncontrolled anger. Of course, Albie doesn't mean to anger or hurt/scare others. This book will guide children who perhaps see a part of themselves in Albie on ways to calm and control the anger. I liked that the author simply shows Albie recognizing and responding to simple things like the smell of a flower, the feel of a breeze, and beauty of a rainbow. While rainbows aren't always available, there is beauty all around us, so this use of the five senses is something anyone can use. Tantrums aren't fun for anyone, whether the one having the tantrum or those impacted by the flood of anger.

The rhyme seemed a bit off, perhaps intended to convey the upheaval of a tantrum, but was still cute and easily conveyed the message of the book. The illustrations are fun, almost scary at times given the anger, and help show the harm the lack of emotional control can create. While certainly not providing the grand fix-all-to-end-all tantrums, I applaud the book for showing a way to make a start. As it notes, Albie isn't always bright and cheerful after his realization of the need for control, so it's also realistic...and hopeful. Thanks #NetGalley and #ViaNovaProductions for sharing this series with me. I look forward to meeting more of those amazing looking monsters of Mill Street.