Have You Seen My Monster? By Steve Light. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2015. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"Have you seen my monster?

No?

Maybe he's already at the
fair."

County fairs are full of wonder for children. The little girl who visits this one is consumed by a search for her monster. It is not a monster meant to terrify; it is a monster who is loved by its owner, and she is desperate to find it.

As she spends her day visiting the various exciting spots where a monster might hide, she asks those who are sharing this story to help her. While having fun at the rides, games, food stops and exhibits, she is on a constant lookout. No matter where she goes, readers can see that the monster is close by. At times, it is very obvious exactly where he is; at others, it is a bit tougher to find him.

That monster is having a great deal of fun, too. Perhaps he doesn't really want to be found until he, too, has enjoyed the many enticements of the carnival atmosphere. It isn't until she is ready to head home, after a grand day, that the wee girl finally catches sight of him.

As he did in Have You Seen My Dragon? (2014), Steve Light creates detailed artwork that fills the pages with entertainment and engagement for young readers. The scenes are busy, and the language simple enough for complete understanding of the joy to be found in the search. Black banners and white lettering assure that the boldly colored shapes are named and added to math vocabulary. Twenty shapes, familiar fair attractions, finely detailed black and white images with splashes of bold color ... perfect to get little ones talking and learning.   

Educational in the best way possible, this is a book that is sure to become a favorite, and should find a place on your child's library shelf right alongside the book about a lost dragon.