NELLY THE MONSTER SITTER Huffaluks, Muggots and Thermits

Nelly sets up a baby-sitting service for monsters. She tests her skills by bringing the first monster baby home for an afternoon birthday celebration. Then she embarks on a late-night job watching two young monsters who have never been asleep in their entire lives. Finally, with the assistance of her monster buddies, Nelly cares for young Nick, who exists in a most chilly setting. Kate Sachs embraces this fantasy world. She portrays Nelly as cheerful and clever and Nelly's obnoxious twin sister as just that. Nelly's parents are amusing in their ordinariness. And each of the monsters has a fresh and individual personality. Sachs's pacing honors the richness of detail in each escapade and allows appreciation of the total package. A.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]