Silvia Romeral Andrés's marvelously written and illustrated picture book, Mina and the Monster, is the beguiling story of a courageous child who seeks a legendary creature. Although she believes her quest unsuccessful, illustrations prove otherwise.
"Beware!" a storyteller warns. There's a "fearsome monster" dwelling in the forest that's so scary, "its roar alone can unleash a storm." The monster knocks down trees and "creates uncontrollable avalanches" with its loud, rumbling footsteps. But Mina, "somewhat short... for her age," isn't afraid: "everything she lacked in height she made up for in bravery." The girl and her foxlike dog set out first thing the next morning to hunt for the beast. She searches the forest and the mountains but sees no sign of a monster. Readers, however, may join Mina's savvy dog in noticing a white, furry creature working overtime to keep Mina safe. The monster barricades an impending avalanche, holds up a broken bridge, and places a blanket on her when she falls asleep. As Mina heads home, she "feels strangely comforted inside," and it's not just because of the "mysterious, huge mug of hot chocolate" waiting for her when she wakes.
This seriously charismatic U.S. authorial debut is driven by the contrast between words and image; in the text, Andrés never alludes to the playful monster hiding from Mina. Andrés's mixed-media art uses a limited palette to depict the isolated town and the snowy expanse of field and wood surrounding it. Mina's red jacket stands out in the white space, as do the rosy nose, cheeks, and ears of the creature. Though monsters are not "easy to find," they can be endlessly entertaining. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author