Eat Pete by Michael Rex is more of a 3.5 rating. This is because I am on the fence about the ending. I am not sure (spoiler) I like the “hug” aspect that the monster does (instead of wanting to eat Pete) but of course, I know that you cannot have the monster eating Pete (well second spoiler, at least not eating him for good this time). My absolute favorite part of the book are the facial expressions on the monster when the words EAT PETE come up. They are fabulously hilarious. They are the perfect way to express the desperation of a very hunger monster that only wants to eat Pete and does not want to play pirates or build blocks or playing with race cars. Yet, those things are actually fun as the monster comes to learn. But, as the monster also learns, they are only fun if you don’t eat Pete.
While the story is sweet and a pleasant read, the illustrations are what really tops it all off. They are simple but filled with details. They help move the story along. You will see little fun stuff throughout it.
Kids will think this a funny story and the adults reading will see the trials and tribulations of a typical play-date. Sometimes things do not go as smoothly as they hope. But thankfully, they usually work out. It would be a fun story time read for the classroom or library. The individual might not find it relaxing for bedtime though.