No, Mina and the Monster by Silvia Romeral Andrés is not: OMG WOW BEST BOOK. No, but what I am saying is: That’s so cute. That is sweet. And even though Mina is a bit precocious, I like her. She’s spunky.” (It’s funny how a little twist here and there can change that perspective of “bratty” precocious makes “spunky.”)
But I don’t think anyone who reads about Mina trying to find the local monster will have any other perspective than that it is cozy like a cup of mysterious hot chocolate. If you do not love how they show our mighty heroine is a bit rough and tough with bandages on her forehead, I don’t know if we can be friends. Mina is a likable character, someone who would be perhaps a bit much for the introverted person, but would make a loyal friend.
The idea of a young girl, who is not afraid of monsters, is told with a smidgen of tongue in cheek, but also is serious, too. Our girl’s imagination has much material to work with and it is up to you to decide if the mystery is real or part of the game. As you see, you need to look at the images to find some hidden clues. The colors are fun and the details clever. It just works. Maybe I won’t read it again, but then again, maybe I will. It is that kind of book. You will read if and when you need it a second time. But you do need it the first time.
Read via an online reader and the book is due mid-October 2026.
