Simone: The Best Monster Ever!

Gr 2–5—Simone, a bouncy, pink-cheeked, blonde human, doesn't look much like a typical monster—unless you happen to be Morris, a green-skinned apod with expressive eyestalks. Simone emerges from Morris's closet one night, and after he overcomes his initial shock and horror, the two become friends and explore each other's worlds. This slim read is divided into page-long comic strips. In one strip, all of Morris's friends have devised the most terrifying Halloween costumes imaginable: Simone outfits. In another, Morris offers to make Simone spaghetti by digging up some fresh worms from the lawn. The jokes fall into a familiar pattern, with plenty of scatological references and rude noises throughout. Simard's characters are depicted in bright colors with distinct black outlines. The action and expressions conveyed in each panel may remind readers of Cartoon Network favorites.