Dave was once a young, obnoxious monster, so unruly that the town he lived in banished him to Echo Rock where he lived for 60 years with only his guitar for company. These days, Dave takes bubble baths and strums his guitar rather than cause any chaos, alas local knights tease and poke Dave in attempt to make him fight. When Dave stands up to one of the young knights he gets an apologetic response and an unlikely friendship blossoms, the two have a lot in common.
Later, as a true friend would, six-year-old Percival defends Dave when mean town folk throw rotten vegetables at him because they are bored; they seem bully like, not thinking of Dave’s feelings or considering that he has any. Embarrassed after Percival’s defence, the town folk understand their mistakes and soon discover a much better way to have fun, of course, with Percival and Dave included.
I enjoyed getting to know Dave’s endearing, humble character through both text and illustrations of his pink guitar, music posters, knitting and other details. There is definitely more than meets the eye when it comes to Dave, adult readers may relate to him in someway just as kids may relate to or be inspired by Percival and his brave actions.
Fabulously bright coloured illustrations which firstly drew me to this book, work perfectly with the rhyming text and stand out on the high quality cover. The story delivers a great message about friendship, kindness, judgement and considering others' feelings.
Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie are also the author illustrator team behind The Worst Princess, and Sir Lilypad.
Title: Dave the Lonely Monster
Author: Anna Kemp
Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $25.00
Publication Date: 4 October 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781471143670
For ages: 3 – 7
Type: Picture Book