Discovering Friendship Through Monsters: A Review of Frankenstein (Baby’s Classics)
As a mom of two wild and wonderful little ones, bedtime can sometimes feel like a mix between a circus performance and a war zone. Between the giggles, the cries for “just one more story,” and the occasional pillow fort being constructed, I’ve learned that the right book can transform chaos into coziness. That’s precisely how I stumbled upon Frankenstein (Baby’s Classics) by Mary Shelley—not your everyday bedtime choice, right? But this delightful board book promised to introduce my little readers to the essence of friendship, even under the guise of a monster, and I couldn’t resist the whimsy of it!
This charming retelling follows Dr. Frankenstein, who, feeling lonely in his lab, decides to create a friend. But, lo and behold, his creation turns out to be a bit terrifying! What ensues is a tender pursuit where the Monster, despite his frightful appearance, simply yearns for companionship. It’s a heartwarming tale that grapples with the themes of loneliness and acceptance, perfect for young tots starting to understand emotions and friendships.
The moment we opened this book, I was enchanted by the foil cover—it sparkles just enough to catch little eyes! The illustrations throughout are vibrant and engaging, vividly bringing the story to life. My kids were instantly drawn in; my 4-year-old gasped when the Monster first appeared, and my 2-year-old pointed and squealed with delight. Each page turned prompted giggles and exclamations, which is always a good sign!
One of our favorite moments came when we reached the page where the Monster chases after Dr. Frankenstein. My daughter shouted, "He just wants to be friends!" And just like that, a discussion was sparked about empathy and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. It’s amazing how this simple story opened the door to such heartfelt conversations.
The playful yet thoughtful prose is perfectly suited for a read-aloud experience. The rhythm is soothing, which made it easy to flow through the story, even amidst the delightful distractions of my little rascals. We found ourselves laughing and even imitating the Monster’s big, clumsy moves, which added an element of fun to our storytelling.
As for surprising reactions, well, my kids insisted on giving the Monster a funny name—"Mr. Wiggles," to be precise—after we finished reading. Who knew such a classic tale could inspire a new character in our bedtime repertoire?
I wholeheartedly recommend Frankenstein (Baby’s Classics) for parents looking to introduce their little ones to deeper themes wrapped in a fun and accessible package. It’s perfect for toddlers to early preschoolers, especially those who are curious about monsters in stories but still need that gentle approach. This isn’t just a one-time read for us; it’s officially become a part of our nightly rotation.
On a personal note, it warmed my heart to realize that even a story about a monster could sow seeds of understanding and kindness in my children. It reminded me that the most unexpected stories can hold profound lessons—perfect for those parenting moments when our little monsters just want to be loved.
Cuddle up with a classic: Frankenstein for little readers! >>
