Poor Frankenstein. Hungry for a sandwich, he heads to the kitchen only to discover that his cupboard is bare. Hoping to borrow a few ingredients from the neighbors, he’s amazed when they chase him off with pitchforks and torches, pelting his retreating back with “tomatoes, pigs, potatoes, loaves of moldy bread . . . And then a thought struck Frankenstein as pickles struck his head.” Delighted, he realizes that those rude neighbors have given him just what he needs, so he shouts “ 'Thanks a bunch!’ Then stacked it on a plate and ate a big, disgusting lunch.” Other amusing ditties follow Frankenstein’s predicament. These star the Wolfman, Count Dracula, Yeti, a zombie, and Godzilla, among others. Of particular fun is a recurring appearance by the Phantom of the Opera, who is plagued by writer’s block that is caused by everyone’s worst nightmare—the song you can’t get out of your head. From “It’s a Small World” to “The Girl from Ipanema,” the Phantom is one tortured artist. Over twenty hysterical poems are sure to please monster-lovers and fans of comedy alike. Oil paint illustrations and a range of typefaces add to the lighthearted fun. (Ages 8–12)