Excited for a new adventure but also a little nervous, Blue and friends (Monsters Love Colors) head to the first day of monster school. They learn new things, make friends, and have such a blast that they eagerly look forward to day two. Brightly colored scribbles and splashes illustrate the joys of elementary school with a humor that will excite any first-timer. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The pickle-shaped monsters introduced in Austin's Monsters Love Colors demonstrate how great school is. A scribbly blue monster, however, clutches his lunchbox in wide-eyed terror as his more upbeat friends pass the gangly crossing guard. But once Blue makes a superhero mask, learns about "Our Founding Monsters" during Mrs. Hiss's "Hissstory classs," and takes part in Singing Club, he has a change of heart: "I love Monster School!" By human standards, it's a pretty sudden transformation, but readers with similar trepidations may still find encouragement. Ages 4-8. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Austins scribbly, lovable monsters are back, this time going beyond an exploration of colors (Monsters Love Colors, 2013) to tackle the biggest adventure of allMonster School.Yellow, pink, green, blue, long-legged, many-legged, one-eyed, two-eyed, scaly and furry monsters summer fun has come to an end, and they must check their school-supply lists and head off. Not all are smiling, though, as they cross the street with Miss Wiggles help: Wiggle, wiggle, cross the street. / Off to school, now move those feet! Little Gray tries to alleviate Blues fears, but there are many of them, and he is convinced he already knows his ABGs and 413s and XYDs, so who needs school? But after a day filled with art, recess, Miss Spels spelling lessons, Chef Octis lunchtime gruel, history, library and Singing Club, Blue has changed his tune. Austin has masterfully folded some valuable information about the first day of school into his funny tale, but the monsters are the big draw. Not the least bit scary, their simple shapes and accessories and scrawled style will likely have kids reaching for their own monster pencils, monster crayons, monster ink and brushesas Austin claims to have used in his media statement.Though most readers would probably rather not face a Cyclops principal, hopefully they will have as good a first day as Blue and come to love school. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.