Felix and the Monsters by Josh Holtsclaw

Abstract

Reviewed by: Felix and the Monsters by Josh Holtsclaw Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor Holtsclaw, Josh Felix and the Monsters; written and illus. by Josh and Monica Holtsclaw. Paulsen/Penguin, 2020 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593110522 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593110539 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs Felix is supposed to guard the wall and keep out the little monsters that live on the other side, but he'd really prefer to be rocking out with his keytar. The other guards won't join his jam sessions, but one day one of his epic solos draws a little red creature, with guitar in hand, over the wall, and after some music-making Felix follows monster Dot to the other side. It's a bustling place of creativity in Dot's world, with painters, poets, and even sculptors working in cheddar cheese. His fellow guards, however, have noticed his absence and are headed over the wall, fully prepared to attack—until they hear some of Felix and friends' sweet tunes and bust out into some groovy moves themselves. Like Agee's The Wall in the Middle of the Book (BCCB 11/18), this makes timely commentary on the purpose of walls in current cultural discourse, and it also speaks to the universal connections of art, two premises that could have tipped into treacly sentiment but are fortunately tempered by the book's bubbly, self-amused glee. The digital art is a riot of vibrant colors and loose geometry, with the squat, square, grumpy-looking guards distinctly different from the rounder, wide-eyed monsters, and Felix a combination of both angles and curves. This could obviously make a discussion starter about overcoming differences, but it could just as well serve as a jazzy opener to a dance party. [End Page 23] Copyright © 2020 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois