The Wild Ones

Review
By Booklist

The eclectic Wild Oaks apartments are home to a group of friends who call themselves "the Wild Ones." The foursome spends the majority of their free time discussing all things monster-related, especially the monster they suspect is lurking nearby in a cave deep in the Steelburg forest. Only, they can't decide on what type of monster it might be: A banshee, hungry for Andy's Irish boxty? La Tunda, who hails from Colombia, like Valentina? Xander's favorite, a Haitian loogoroo? Or a batlike vetal, which Jasmine is sure is a Bollywood fan? When Wild Oaks is threatened with being torn down, the friends seek out the monster living in the forest for help; will it answer their call and come to the aid of the distressed children? This brief but exciting story (simultaneously published in Spanish) features dynamic artwork nicely in sync with the energetic story. The short page count and quick narrative arc make it a good pick for early elementary schoolers. Playful monster fun with a satisfying amount of heart.