BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi

TITLE: Boris and Bella

AUTHOR: Carolyn Crimi

ILLUSTRATOR: Gris Grimly

PUBLISHER: Harcourt House, 2004

SYNOPSIS:

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!

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK :   This week is fall break at the schools , so that means a week of reading stacks of picture books to my TKD students at camp. With Halloween just around the corner, we are enjoying an abundance of spooky fun! Illustrator Gris Grimly’s artwork in “Boris and Bella” is very reminiscent of Tim Burton’s “Nightmare before Christmas” and the children loved studying his ghoulish creativity. Ms Crimi’s silly tale of two monsters at odds with each other, show children even great friendships can come from great rivals! A wonderful holiday addition to any library!

RATING: ***** 5 Stars *****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

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Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day boy and monster both decide they no longer want to fear what hides in the dark. Both have a plan, but will be surprised by what they discover after A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

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Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

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Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

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