A gallery of civilization-threatening "modern monsters," from Smogosaurus and the forest-chewing Logre to Acid Rain Spirits and Nuclear Jinns.These menaces are modeled on or at least inspired by creatures from pop culture or world folklore—Trash Kong, for instance, is joined by the Noisybird, loosely related to the similarly nine-headed Jiu Tou Niao of Chinese tradition, and the E-Waste Golem. Each one steps up in turn to boast of its destructive habits and potential and comes with an inset "Monster Card" featuring arrays of icons (interpreted on a key that can be folded out for ready reference) indicating activities that will promote, or hinder, further damage to our planet. The monsters are all created or (more commonly) abetted by human agency, and though many acknowledge anxiously that efforts are being made to check their depredations, Rohde urgently makes the case at beginning and end that there is still plenty of work to be done. The monsters themselves, which are largely rendered as diaphanous or semi-abstract shapes in various transparent hues with stylized, geometric faces, come across as more pretty than dangerous looking, and the fold-out world "Monster Map" at the end conveys a misleading impression that they are mostly localized threats rather than ubiquitous ones. Still, even younger readers will understand that each poses a real danger.Challenges galore for young eco-crusaders, presented in an inventive format. (glossary, source list, index) (Informational picture book. 8-10)

This ambitious exploration of environmental threats, including smog, deforestation, and oil spills, characterizes each as a vanquishable monster. In 22 first-person passages, Rohde employs the voice of each -creature,- clarifying the monstrous nature of oft-imperceptible threats. -Smogosaurus- is -built out of tiny particles that hover in clouds over your cities- and reacts to -improving public transportation and bike lanes.- For every entry, one bottom corner features a Monster Card, listing actions that can shrink the monsters, such as proper recycling practices, eating less meat, and traveling by train instead of airplane; the other corner features a corresponding mythological creature. Rohde-s textural digital art ensures there is plenty to look at on each oversize page. While this compendium is text-heavy, clear prose and character cards offer a novel way to encourage environmentalism. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Gr 6 Up-Rohde presents a call to children to save the world from 22 "monsters." Each monster is given a name representing the problem: Atmosdragon (global warming); the Logre (deforestation); the Noisybird (noise pollution); the Grublin (food waste). On each double-page spread, the personified beast explains what he is doing to destroy the planet and what is preventing him from inflicting further havoc. In the bottom corner, a "Monster Card" describes the actions people need to stop doing to preserve the planet (population growth, buying new things, eating meat and dairy, using nuclear energy). The key also lists steps they need to take (recycle, mend items instead of discarding them, save water). The recommendations change depending on the monster. There is also a brief reference to a mythical creature; the Plaken (plastic floating in the ocean) is compared to the Kraken. The full-page illustrations are rendered in muted, soft earth tones of blues, grays, and browns. A fold-out end page shows which areas of the world are impacted the most. End pages include a compilation of the "Monster Cards" and illustrations of kids depicting simple ways to fight these beasts. VERDICT It is true that young people are engaging in environmental activism, but this title may not be ideal for young readers. The concept of monsters attacking Earth will most likely incite fear. This work would be better suited for older students and could possibly tie in with mythology units. Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio