National Network for Equitable Library Service

ABC Monstrosity is a freaky-fun book designed to thrill adults and kids alike with pages that teach and terrify all at once. ABC Monstrosity is both quirky and hilarious, with creepy creations sure to delight children and adults alike. As each new letter is introduced with a drawing of a familiar object or animal, the previous ones are continuously combined to create bizarre monstrosities. The detailed drawings are beautifully hand coloured by Shea. ABC Monstrosity includes a zany glossary featuring fascinating scientific facts augmented with humour. The detailed monstrosities have nonsense definitions, but the science behind how we might define more ordinary-seeming animals and objects in our lives is surprisingly complex. Shea’s second book follows in the tradition of alternative alphabet books like Neil Gaiman’s The Dangerous Alphabet, Edward Gorey’s The Gashlycrumb Tinies, and Anamalia by Graeme Base. Beautifully hand drawn illustrations bring these ‘monstrous’ creations to life.