Title: Boris and Bella
Author: Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Gris Grimly
Year published: 2004
Publisher: Harcourt Inc.
Number of pages: 24
Recommended age: 3+
Daughter's Rating: ★★★★★
Mom's Rating: ★★★★★
Reviewed by Featured Guest Reviewers: Crystal Marcos, author of the children’s fantasy adventure books BELLYACHE and HEADACHE, and her daughter Kaylee
Summary (from Amazon): Bella Legrossi is the messiest monster in all of Booville. Her slime is the slimiest and her grime is the grimiest. Alas, she is neighbors with Boris Kleanitoff, a persnickety ghoul so tidy he vacuums his vampire bats. What could ever bring these two together? It will take a Halloween party like no other–a full creature-feature of beasts, ghosts, and creepy-crawlies, and some of the fanciest dance moves since Morrie Mummy shook a leg clean off. So grab a mug of ghoul drool and join the fun!
DAUGHTER SAYS
What it’s about: Boris and Bella never want to eat together and never played together.
WhatI liked and disliked about it: Awesome pictures! Really, really good! I learned about monsters. Favorite part: dancing! I like the different kinds of dancing. Least favorite part: When will they be happy? I didn’t like when they were mad.
My bottom line: I think Max and Alyssa (her cousins) and the girl I met at the park would like it. I am going to ask her cause I think she would like it.
MOM SAYS
What it’s about: Boris and Bella of Booville are two monsters that are complete opposites. Neither one wants anything to do with the other. Boris Kleanitoff is the tidiest monster while Bella Legrossi is the messiest in town. They must learn to compromise in order to have fun on Halloween.
What I liked and disliked about it: What I liked most about the book was the old time movie monster feel and the way it transported me right into the Halloween mood. A book that manages to be funny, warm, and gruesome all at the same time! I especially enjoyed the attention to detail in the illustrations. I also like the fact that it wasn’t too scary for my 3 year old. Just the right amount of spookiness for young readers. What I didn’t like about the book was that it doesn’t have a follow up story. I would love to see Boris and Bella in a sequel that continues into the next Halloween.
My bottom line: Yes, I would recommend this book to any child aged 3 and up – keeping in mind your child’s sensitivity. As with any book, I recommend that parents read it first. I think it would be fun to dress up and have your own ghoulish party together after reading this book. As a matter of fact, next time we will.
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