The Monster and the Clown

Description Share Post The Monster and the Clown Mats Standberg, with Sofia Falkenhem (Gecko Press) Is Frank’s younger brother, Oliver, correct? Could Alice, their elderly neighbour, be Frank’s only friend? After all, he’s laughed at by the children at their school, including older boys, who seek out Oliver’s friendship. It’s left Frank feeling even more lonely, lost in his fears as Frank the Monster.  Frank’s learned that he’s not alone. In fact, there are other monsters who gather together protectively in the Yrred library. They are not scary, but, threatened and frightened, in truth, by the misunderstanding and wild rumours building in the town. What’s more, with the arrival of Kruger’s Circus Funhouse, the monsters have greater reason to be scared. The flap, flap, flap of clown shoes indicates something terrifying…. something not to be trusted, to hide from. It is impossible for Frank to avoid attending the circus with his family. Thereafter, when he sees what Kruger’s act entails, in its monstrous reality, he needs to warn the others in the library. Even, more daringly, Frank feels compelled to rescue the poor creature trapped as part of this wicked circus performance. However, this will entail courage Frank doesn’t feel and then something else if he needs to return to safety. Mats Strandberg‘s story is direct, readable and scary, while Sofia Falkenhem’s black and purple illustrations suggest the night, the dawn of something terrifying. Then again, themes of family, friendship and loyalty are introduced with such skill. Bookwagon is captivated by The Monster and the Clown.