… even for funny little monsters in kids’ books!
Mo’s Mustache, by Ben Clanton
Tundra Books, ISBN: 978 1 77049 538 8
Mo gets a brand-new mustache. He feel very spiffy. But soon all the other monsters get mustaches too, and now his doesn’t feel so special anymore. *sad face* So her packs it away and gets a scarf! He loves it! But the same thing happens again, and his scarf becomes less snazzy in his eyes. *wah wah* What’s a hipster monster to do? Mo gets a little cranky about all this copying, and asks what the deal is – only to find out what your mother always told you, that imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery. Well, that feels better! So instead of sulking and trying to beat his friends to the newest vogue, he suggests they all sport their own styles and have a fashion show where everyone can feel fabulous.
I have to say, I wasn’t sold the second I saw the cover here. I was worried it might be some tongue in cheek, ironic book for hipster parents using the overdone mustache thing. But you know? it certainly uses a couple of overdone hipster signifiers as the examples of how Mo tries to set himself apart, but instead of being arch, it’s cute and funny and gives a little life lesson without a smidge of preaching or smugness. The monsters are adorable. The solution is novel. The dialogue is retro-hip and would be fun to read aloud in silly voices. In fact, I rather love it! Now if only it can convince my daughter that it’s not a problem for the little one to copy her…
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