Frankenstein Doesn't Wear Earmuffs!

by John Loren, John Loren (Illustrator)

Overview

Nothing ruins the perfect scary costume like a pair of earmuffs! Families will laugh along with this Halloween picture book.

A young trick-or-treater has the best Frankenstein costume ever...if he can make it out the front door!

Every time he tries to set foot into the dark and stormy night, his overly concerned parents interrupt with yet another warm and cozy addition to his costume. But Frankenstein does not wear floppy boots, or a puffy jacket, or a fanny pack. And he especially doesn’t wear earmuffs!

Will our young Frankenstein be able to break loose from his bundled layers and have the Halloween of his dreams? 

Don't miss this funny picture book debut from John Loren! Good for sharing along with such favorites as Room on the Broom and The Spooky Wheels on the Bus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062941145
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	07/14/2020
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

John Loren sprouted up in Maine many years ago. Now he’s an author and illustrator whose work spans video games, comics, and animation. He’s also a proud pop who reminds his kids to eat their beans every day. Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs! was his debut and Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans is John’s second picture book. 

John Loren sprouted up in Maine many years ago. Now he’s an author and illustrator whose work spans video games, comics, and animation. He’s also a proud pop who reminds his kids to eat their beans every day. Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs! was his debut and Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans is John’s second picture book. 

Editorial Reviews

"An unusual, funny take on the typical Halloween story...This humorous tale establishes a rollicking pattern [of] holiday-themed rhymes and spooky, painterly illustrations."
— Kirkus Reviews

"Loren doesn’t miss a beat in his gleaming picture book debut, synchronizing perky verse with equally hilarious digital art to deliver a genuine Halloween treat...”  — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2020-07-14
Even monsters need help in nasty weather.

It’s Halloween; a boy dons his Frankenstein’s-monster get-up. But whenever he tries to step outside, his parents stop him to hand over inclement-weather duds: galoshes, scarf, parka, earmuffs. By his third attempt, he’s burdened with a camping lamp, fanny pack, and snack. The kid finally roars, “FRANKENSTEIN DOESN’T WEAR EARMUFFS!” and exasperatedly chucks everything. Finally outdoors, he sees costumed kids bundled up. Conceding his parents were right, the kid gratefully accepts the warm clothes, then joins fellow tricksters. This humorous tale establishes a rollicking pattern, juxtaposing opening atmospheric, holiday-themed rhymes accompanied by spooky, painterly illustrations with a more cartoony style for the rhyming admonitions from the boy’s parents when adding to his wardrobe. The dark verses are interrupted strategically with page turns introduced by capitalized grown-up warnings in speech balloons: “HOLD IT!” When the spooky rhymes/illustrations resume, they comically depict/describe Frankenstein wearing his newly acquired garb, then eventually cease altogether when the verses describe only kid, accoutrements, and his unprotected misery outdoors. Fortunately, his parents have followed with the necessary gear. Neither they nor other adults join the trick-or-treaters, however, a depiction of adult concern that some may wish had been included. The bouncy rhymes read and scan well; the humorous, energetic artwork very ably serves the text. The boy and parents (the grown-ups are faceless) have brown skin; other youngsters are diverse.

An unusual, funny take on the typical Halloween story—and a reminder to dress appropriately. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews