AAA - SHARMAT, M.W. - Scarlet Monster Lives Here - [An I CAN READ Book] - (Paperback)

Book still in a very good condition - Suitable for 6 - 8 years of age.   >>>   So you will know, oh fellow reader, when I tell you that one of my favorite books of all time is an early reader, that here is a small masterpiece! With not a single wasted or out-of-place word, Sharmat and illustrator Dennis Kendrick have created a gem - a little book both wise and compassionate...   -   When Scarlet Monster moves to a new house and neighborhood, she is happy and enthusiastic about her new home, and eagerly anticipates meeting her new neighbors. An affectionate and warm-hearted creature, Scarlet does everything that she can think of to appear friendly and welcoming, but all to no avail - her neighbors do not introduce themselves.    -   Terribly hurt, Scarlet retreats into her house, where she concludes that people do not like her because she is an overweight monster with evil-looking eyebrows. "Nobody knows that I think kind thoughts and have a loving heart," she cries. Progressing from hurt to angry, Scarlet decides that she hates everyone, and wants nothing to do with her neighbors. But when Scarlet eventually learns that her new neighbors do not think ill of her, but are simply shy and insecure themselves, all is happily resolved, and Scarlet learns that this is indeed a "kissing" neighborhood.   -   I have loved this book since I was a very young child. As someone whose family moved a number of times, it spoke to me, not only about the difficulties of fitting into a new place and making new friends, but about how easily hurt feelings translate into anger (I have always had something of a resentful temperament). It very wisely demonstrates how a loving heart can be hidden behind a rather intimidating face, and that we cannot really know what other people's motivations are.   -   Dennis Kendrick's humorous and endearing illustrations are a perfect complement to Sharmat's text, particularly Scarlet's cat, who proceeds from contented to concerned. In short, although I generally try to avoid hyperbole in my reviews, this may be the BEST I Can Read Book ever published, and I find it a TRAVESTY that it remains out-of-print. It speaks to me, quite simply, in the language of my heart.     (Abigail on Goodreads is my sort of person)