Andres, Silvia Romeral. Mina and the Monster. Silvia Romeral Andres, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-664-9. GRADES Kindergarten–1. ADDITIONAL.
The storyteller’s tale of the monster in the forest does not scare Mina, in fact it encourages her to defy the tale and go out into the snowy forest to prove her bravery. Pastel and pencil illustrations show the darkness of the storyteller’s nightime tale, the whiteness of the snowy forest, Mina’s white skin, red sweater, and blue scarf; plus the white, puffy monster that Mina does not end up finding, despite it being on many pages. Observant readers will see how the monster helps and protects Mina during her long, cold search – even though Mina never actually sees the monster. While showcasing her bravery, the story also shows how foolish Mina was to venture out into the snow, without company or supplies. Readers will be quick to point out the monster on many of the pages, while wondering why Mina never sees the monster herself.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library