"All cheer, Monster Camp,
the home of the brave ...
We're not afraid
of dark or damp
or forest, lake
or cave.
Monster Camp is where we stay
to sing and roar and drool,
to swim and craft and howl and play
'cause Monster Camp is cool."
I was not a summer camp keener. In fact, I did my best not to go at all. The one time I did, I was so homesick my dad came to pick me up early. It had nothing to do with the campers, the leaders or the daily plans made for us, it was me. So when I read this book, it filled me with memories of what fun it might have been had I stayed. Of course, this summer camp is quite different when you consider the attending campers.
They are a unique and well-described group of fantasy creatures at a summer camp run by a family of yetis. This year, for the first time, it is open to all monsters. This year's campers, alongside the yeti family and their diverse band of counsellors, include two goblins, a griffin, a vampire, a werewolf, and an ogress. Each camper's character is unique and carefully presented to readers to help them understand their differences.
It is important to those running the camp to always be on the lookout for humans, as they don't want to be discovered. Although early encounters between campers are not always cooperative and friendly, as they spend time working together and sharing responsibilities things get better and they begin to enjoy the experiences. Lessons learned are similar to what might happen in real life for those reading this excellent graphic novel.
Artwork is detailed and captures attention with its bright colors, familiar settings, and distinct personalities. Letters written from campers build on understanding personality. Humorous wordplay adds to the appeal at every turn. The wait for summer vacation gets shorter each day; perhaps a summer camp is in the offing for some.
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