From the Publisher
A just-for-fun mash-up of monster movie references and schoolroom shenanigans…Hall’s genius application of crayon drawings and cut-paper collage creates a product that any child could see himself making, and that’s how artists and authors are born. A monstrously entertaining read.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“The bright cut-paper crayons hold a running commentary as a humorous Greek chorus, and the scribble’s appearance against both black and white backgrounds adds striking visuals, effectively supporting the ultimate message of inclusion and creative problem solving.” — Booklist
“Hall fills his story within a story with intrigue, theater, and a whole lot of silly. …The illustrations are compelling, with cut-paper crayons and a variety of textures and typefaces.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This book’s complex plot-within-a-plot structure provides punchy entertainment to keep readers engaged throughout and offers inspiration for thinking about theater, bookmaking, and storytelling.” — The Horn Book
“A lot of fun…it will grab and hold the attention of many little characters who like to play monsters.”” — Boston Globe
“Perfect for all ages…Hall’s tale elevates Frankencrayon above simple entertainment, beginning with a nod to classic literature and slowly delivering a story within a story, with unexpected turns that will guarantee a laugh…this delightfully creative book, populated by its charming ‘scary guys,’ deserves multiple readings.” — BookPage.com
Booklist
The bright cut-paper crayons hold a running commentary as a humorous Greek chorus, and the scribble’s appearance against both black and white backgrounds adds striking visuals, effectively supporting the ultimate message of inclusion and creative problem solving.
The Horn Book
This book’s complex plot-within-a-plot structure provides punchy entertainment to keep readers engaged throughout and offers inspiration for thinking about theater, bookmaking, and storytelling.
BookPage.com
Perfect for all ages…Hall’s tale elevates Frankencrayon above simple entertainment, beginning with a nod to classic literature and slowly delivering a story within a story, with unexpected turns that will guarantee a laugh…this delightfully creative book, populated by its charming ‘scary guys,’ deserves multiple readings.
Boston Globe
A lot of fun…it will grab and hold the attention of many little characters who like to play monsters.”
Booklist
The bright cut-paper crayons hold a running commentary as a humorous Greek chorus, and the scribble’s appearance against both black and white backgrounds adds striking visuals, effectively supporting the ultimate message of inclusion and creative problem solving.
Kirkus Reviews
2015-10-06
Personified crayons and a pencil, thespians all, re-enact the cancellation of their book, while Hall fills his story within a story with intrigue, theater, and a whole lot of silly. An "official notice" greets readers, urging them to abandon this book, while a cancellation stamp mars the title page. When the cast-member crayons realize a reader is turning the page, the pencil breaks the fourth wall and starts to recount what went wrong with their production of Frankencrayon. It began at rehearsal, with a mysterious scribble, which the crayons try to erase but only make bigger. When the play is canceled, three crayons help the scribble to independence by drawing feet and a face. Reflecting on these events, the crayons and pencil realize lessons learned ("Even a messy scribble can be a lovely thing"), and all ends well...until: "Screeeeeetch!" The villain behind the scribble is revealed! Hall, as usual, plays with both narrative and its visual representation. The illustrations are compelling, with cut-paper crayons and a variety of textures and typefaces. However, the stretch to innovate and interact leads to a story composed of many varied parts, which often complicate rather than clarify. And while different types help identify which character is speaking (and when), the textual busyness on top of this visually reductive story can be confusing. With very careful repeat reads, this challenging tale may pay off, especially if readers choose to put on a play of their own. (dramatis personae) (Picture book. 5-8)
