Product Description

In a dark, dark house, in a dark, dark wood lurks a creepy, beasty . . . BEAST! But don't be scared--this beast may not be so beastly after all. The beloved Bill Martin Jr and Steven Kellogg bring their enormous talents together to create a ghoulish story that's both scary and snug.

Includes fun new book-related activities!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #431304 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

Amazon.com Review
"In a dark, dark wood there is a dark, dark house..." So begins this tongue-in-cheek rodent tale of intrigue. Four brave and curious mice follow the trail of a big, scary beast, down the dark red stair, into the dark blue cellar, inside the dark green bottle in the dark purple cupboard. Young readers will squeal in delighted fright when the yellow-eyed monster ("A BEAST!") flies out and across the cellar, up the stairs, out of the house, and into the night. The perpetually rhyming, color-obsessed mice follow in hot pursuit. But is the beast really as horrible as it seems?

Two of the best-loved creators of children's books have collaborated on this utterly charming picture book. Using repetition, color progression, and rhymes, Bill Martin, Jr. (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?) and Steven Kellogg (A-Hunting We Will Go!) conjure up a story that will beguile any small reader in search of a thrill. Comical, cartoonish illustrations depict shadowy figures and deep, rich colors, leading up to the spooky surprise ending. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly
Four wide-eyed mice enter a dark, dark house in a dark, dark wood, in this not-so-scary tale that also teaches colors. "A high-spirited balance of concept book and adventure tale," noted PW. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K A wonderful collaboration by a talented pair. Their tale happens in "a dark, dark wood," but ends in a silly, silly way. Four mice explore a "dark, dark house" and find (in a dark purple cupboard) a dark green bottle holding a yellow-eyed monster that escapes, sending the mice fleeing. Large-print rhyming text appears at the top of each page; the story is embellished by the mice, who expand upon the narrative in bubble captions, also in rhyme. The initial tone is a little ominous, but the little critters seem too nice to have anything really bad happen to them. Observant children may note the clue in the endpaper the delivery van for "Nick's Tricks and Hank's Pranks," complete with a logo of two big yellow eyes. As if scariness and rhyming text weren't enough to guarantee success, the authors toss in some color naming. All of the elements add up to a picture book with plenty of appeal. Lap listeners will enjoy lingering on the ample details, and the book's size and the story's rhythm are perfect for sharing. The relatively intense color palette and simple settings will allow children at the back of the group to enjoy the pictures, too. Kellogg's trademark animals and his ability to create action on a page are well in evidence. This one is sure to be a hit. Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

A scary book - preschool style
Preschoolers will love to explore the "dark, dark house" with the four brave mice. They'll also love the rhyme and references to colors. The text is brief to match the attention span of young children. The opening illustrations foreshadow the ending; preschoolers might not notice the first time through, but when they do notice, they'll be delighted. Best of all, the beast is scary, but not TOO scary.

A great book for preschoolers
My daughter (3 1/2) and son (20 months) both loved this book when we borrowed it from the library. It is full of suspense yet not scary. The rhymes are wonderful! It teaches colors as well. My daughter loved repeating the sentences.
A cute and educational book!

Perfect book for new readers and parents to share together!
Bill Martin Jr.'s knack for rhyme and rhythm are the base for this exciting tale. Steven Kellogg illustrates the 'dark, dark woods' and the charming mice whose adventure we are sharing. This book is perfect for beginning readers and adults to share the reading. Children can easily memorize and 'read' the subtly changing text. Adults can chime in as the mice. I love to watch my Kindergartener's read this book 'outloud to themselves'. They cannot help but add dramatic touches to the reading. A new classic from these two great contributors to children's literature.