Colorful, Play-Doh-like monsters with horns and goofy grins fill the pages of this engaging early reader. Og, one of these friendly creatures, is out collecting firewood when he discovers a large block of ice with a mysterious blue lump inside, visible only by two blinking eyes. Og tries to free the lump by bashing the ice with sticks but quickly realizes he needs to use his brain instead of brute force.
Without tools, Og karate-chops two trees to make rollers, finds some rope, and slides the ice block onto the logs to pull it home. The tiny fire in his yard eventually melts the huge ice block, revealing a surprisingly large orange and furry marmalade cat (known as a “mog” in British nursery slang). Og and the newly freed Mog quickly become friends, realizing they are “twice as nice” together. Mog proves to be not only a great companion but also helps chase off the mice that have been bothering Og and his family.
With rollicking rhymed verses, simple vocabulary, and super-large type, this book is perfect for beginning readers. The wacky, harmless mini-monsters and plenty of action will keep young readers engaged and turning the pages.
Very easy words, a small hero, and enough action to keep the pages turning. (Early reader. 4-8)
4/5
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