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Sometimes pictures books run an unusual (some might say extraordinary) length that allows a story to develop in ways that appeal to a broad age range. THE WANTING MONSTER would fit into that category.
No one noticed the Wanting Monster.
The ants just walked right past it,
without even a how-do-you-do.
How shameful to be ignored by an ant!
To be less important than a crumb!
What monster can withstand such humiliation?
Poor, poor Wanting Monster! Not even as important as a crumb! What is this humiliated, monster to do?
The Wanting Monster stomped into a nearby village,
bellowing and crashing about as monsters do.
It clenched its fists, beat its chest, and roared.
But the bees didn’t stop busying themselves with the flowers.
The children didn’t flee the village square, and the magpie
didn’t stop warbling atop its branch.
Such a lovely village. And such stomping and crashing and bellowing. But the monster’s tantrum doesn’t have an effect. Why won’t anyone pay attention?! I love how the reader sees only a bit of the shadow of the Wanting Monster at the bottom of the verso page. But even the spotted dog closest to the monster doesn’t care, and dogs usually bark at strange creatures that stomp and bellow.
The Wanting Monster tries harder, and can’t even get the attention of the smallest child in the village. Oh, the shame. But the monster spies a man taking a nap next to a stream and decides to whine and moan in his ear. The illustrator depicts this discontent via a tendril of white snaking its way through the air and into the man’s ear, a brilliant and necessary decision.
And suddenly, this man who’s been enjoying his nap by the stream is unsatisfied. Why did he have to walk to the stream to take his nap? Why couldn’t the stream come to him? So he diverts the stream to his yard where it forms his own private pool. And just like that, others in town now want their own pools, so they, too divert the stream, which now starts to run dry. The places once watered by the natural stream whither and die. Success!
But the Wanting Monster is still not happy. He whispers in a woman’s ear, and suddenly instead of picking a few flowers for friend, she decides to take armloads home for herself. Soon, others hoard flowers until there are no more. The expressions of these flower hoarders and their body language telegraph unbridled greed.
Another whisper from the Wanting Monster, and soon all of the stars have been taken from the sky. The barren, dark village is no longer the joyful place it once was, and the miserable people consider leaving.
The Wanting Monster roars with laughter at its success, for it has destroyed the entire village. But the people hear the roar. The smallest child now spies the Wanting Monster and calls it by name. Thrilled with finally!! having everyone’s attention, the monster celebrates even more, shaking “its fists at an empty sky.” The illustrator bathes the victory spread in red, a color that doesn’t evoke joy. It’s more akin to the hollow spoils of war.
And then the page turn brings the reader to a full stop. I will not divulge what happens next. It’s one twist followed by another, brilliantly done. A message for our time. I love how the Wanting Monster resembles Max in his wolf suit, something that kids will notice and appreciate. The moody, expressive illustrations add a wonderful layer of emotion and detail as the townspeople are swallowed by greed and then reverse their course.
Enchanted Lion publishes unusual, beautifully written and illustrated books, and I hope you’ll check this one out.
Activities:
Using a paper grocery bag that can fit over your head, make your own Wanting Monster mask. If you need ideas, check out this resource by RedTedArt.
Pair this book with THE GREAT FUZZ FRENZY by Janet Stevens or THE FATE OF FAUSTO by Oliver Jeffers. How are these books similar? How are they different? What changes the course of the story in each book?
Think of ways to do things that are the opposite of being greedy. What can you share with others? How can you help others? How can you be kind instead of being mean? Sprinkling the seeds of generosity and kindness can help others be more kind and generous, too.
Title: The Wanting Monster
Author: Martine Murray
Illustrator: Anna Read
Publisher: Enchanted Lion, 2025
Themes: greed, SEL, empathy
Ages: Elementary school and up
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
This one sounds like it’s more for adults.
It’s interesting that you say that, Laura. Since it’s strongly in the fable territory, featuring a monster that looks very much like Max in his wolf suit, and offers a couple of surprise twists, it feels like it has the capacity to hold the attention of kids. And it doesn’t feel didactic. I hope you check it out and let me know what you think!
I guess I’m just having strong feelings right now about some adults who need to understand the importance of not being greedy and where happiness comes from. My waking up at 3 am and reading about this while I’m stressed about our country, may have had something to do with my comment. 🙄
Yes, I get it. I’m not sleeping well, either. That’s why I paired this book with The Fate of Fausto. But I think the people who most need to read them, are not reading anything except their P&Ls.
Wow! This sounds amazing! And not surprisingly by Enchanted Lion. Can’t wait to find a copy.
I hope you can find one, Patricia! I think it’s well done.
I misread it at first as The Waiting Monster—it resonates almost the same way. I wonder how young readers will respond to the story.
Laura posed that question, as well. I think the two twists are a delight. And I think kids enjoy reading fables or folktales that stretch the realm of the imagination. If you get a chance to read it, please let me know what you think!
I have this on hold at my library…looking forward to checking it out.
Awesome, Teresa! Let me know what you think!
Okay, so I am curious about the twists that you hint at. I agree that perhaps a number of adults should have this gifted to them. The illustrations are captivating and I look forward to getting a hold of the book. Thanks Jilanne for a great review.
Yay! I hope you find a copy!