Title: The Monster at the End of this Book
Author: Jon Stone
First published January 1, 1971
32 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375829130 (ISBN10: 037582913X)
Rating: 4.45
Overview
“the mastermind behind the beloved children’s book, The Monster at the End of this Book.” Join Grover on a wild adventure as he desperately tries to stop you from turning the pages of this book. He’s convinced that there’s a monster waiting for you at the end, and he’s doing everything in his power to protect you.
But as you get closer and closer to the end, you start to realize that maybe Grover isn’t the only one who’s afraid. The Monster at the End of this Book is a classic tale that has been loved by generations of children.
With its playful tone and lovable characters, it’s the perfect book for parents and kids to read together. Whether it’s your first time reading it or your hundredth, you’re sure to be delighted by the surprise ending.
About the Author
Meet Jon Stone, an accomplished writer and director who helped create Sesame Street, one of the most beloved children’s television shows of all time. Stone graduated from Williams College in 1952 and went on to receive his master’s degree from the Yale University School of Drama in 1955.
He then joined a CBS training program and worked on Captain Kangaroo, another popular children’s show, before contributing to Sesame Street.
Stone’s contributions to Sesame Street were substantial. He worked alongside Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, to bring to life characters such as Big Bird and Cookie Monster.
Stone also played a significant role in developing the show’s format and setting, and even contributed occasional announcer voices. In 1990, he hosted and directed a television special paying tribute to Joe Raposo, a composer who had passed away the year before.
Stone remained Sesame Street’s principal director until 1996. Throughout his career, he also worked on other Muppet projects and authored several books, including the popular “The Monster at the End of this Book”.
He was married to actress Beverly Owen for nine years.
Sadly, Stone passed away on March 30th, 1997, due to complications from Lou Gehrig’s disease. In his New York Times obituary, Joan Ganz Cooney, the co-creator of Sesame Street, described Stone as “probably the most brilliant writer of children’s television material in America.”
Editoral Review
The Monster at the End of this Book, written by Jon Stone and first published in 1971, is a classic picture book that has endured the test of time. As an influential writer, producer, and director at Sesame Street, Stone created a beloved story that revolutionized the children’s literature world with its unique gimmick and approachable nature.
The story is told entirely from the perspective of the beloved and furry Sesame Street character, Grover. Grover’s attempt to prevent the reader from reaching the end of the book to find the titular monster is the central conflict of the story.
Grover’s humorous attempts to convince the reader to stop turning the pages delivers a touch of suspense and mystery. Young readers can enjoy the antics and exaggerated expressions of the character while appreciating how they uncover the book’s quirky surprises.
The Monster at the End of this Book’s charm and gentle humor is still appealing to readers today 50 years after its initial publication. The book’s distinctive feature is having Grover break the fourth wall to interact with readers, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
The decision to make Grover the center of attention was an inspired choice, as children found him endearing and adorable after his introduction on Sesame Street.
Stone’s storytelling commendably explores themes of bravery and facing one’s fears, with Grover bravely, albeit ineffectively, trying to halt the book’s progress.
By the end of the book, Grover comes to the realization that there wasn’t anything to be frightened about, and the monster was nothing more than himself. It’s a lesson that’s still significant in children’s literature today.
Learning that the self-imposed fears that we create in our minds can be one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is an essential life skill, and The Monster at the End of this Book does a great job conveying the lesson to young readers.
This book is superbly crafted, and the illustrations are delightful.
The comical and expressive reactions of Grover give him tangible personality and charm, while the intricately detailed artwork retains a timeless feel that will deeply resonate with new generations of children. The book’s appeal cuts across all age barriers, making it a valuable addition to any literary collector’s or family’s bookshelf.
As the themes presented in the book are universal, The Monster at the End of this Book transcends its role as a children’s book. Additionally, adults stand to learn a thing or two from the book’s timeless message about conquering one’s fears.
With its creative mechanism of interacting directly with the reader, The Monster at the End of this Book is a unique work of art that stands out amongst its peers in children’s literature. Despite its successes, the book’s primary weakness is its length – at only a few pages, a reader’s time with the adventure is cut short.
Nonetheless, its simple yet insightful message, combined with its charming story and illustrations, make it a masterpiece of children’s literature that will remain relevant for decades to come. For anyone looking to introduce their child to the joys of reading or relive nostalgic moments from their childhood, The Monster at the End of this Book is an undisputed recommendation.
The book receives an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, as it is a well-written and beautifully illustrated gem that transcends age and genre barriers.
