Book of the Month: She Made a Monster

It’s been awhile since I read a biography picture book and authors are writing so many good ones, that I decided to seek out one to review. I chose She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton. The author tells the story of Mary Shelley the writer and how she got the idea for her Frankenstein character and book.

Summary: You know the monster. But do you know who made him?...Mary Shelley would go on to write the most enduring story of our time, on that has been scaring readers for generations. Now Lynn Fulton and Felicita Sala introduce new readers to the legend of Mary’s monster.

Ages: 4-8 years

“All around her she felt the power of words, and she hoped that someday she too would write something important. Something that would hit the world like a bolt of lightning splitting the night sky.”

The way the story is told is both inspiring and educational. I love how Shelley’s passion for writing was showcased and how the life and ideas around her inspired her classic book. I also enjoyed how she sought inspiration and courage from her mother. The way her whole story came to life is fascinating and this book is perfect for future writers, young girls, and anyone who is looking for a great picture book biography. The illustrations are dark and creative in itself and compliments Fulton’s take on Shelley’s life perfectly. What an inspirational book!

Drop-In and Get Crafty: Halloween

One of the best drop-in craft programs is centered around Halloween. There are so many good crafts to choose from, whether it be making ghosts, witches, Frankensteins, or jack-o-lanterns. 

For this year's Drop-In and Get Crafty: Halloween, we made an assortment of masks. Everyone could choose from making a cat, pumpkin, Frankenstein, or Day of the Dead mask. 

The masks were made using card stock and Popsicle sticks. I opted out of using elastic bands because I was trying to keep my cost low for a program that tends to have a larger turnout. We had a numerous amount of sticks so it was perfect. I used a hole puncher to make the eye cut-outs. 

Markers, colored pencils, and of course crayons were put out to decorate masks. I also put out some sequins they could glue on to their masks.  

I liked this craft idea because it gave attendees options to choose their mask and how to decorate it. I also needed a relatively easy prep craft and this was perfect. The craft also fits all ages because younger kids can decorate their masks simple and older kids can add as much detail as they want. I also liked how this craft can be their costume for Trick-or-Treating if they wanted it to be.

I had a great turn-out for this program and it was nice to see families crafting together.  

Happy Halloween!