This is an intuitive read about how lying feels. The monster is a little weird but the emotions the tale invoked were surprisingly strong, and I felt sorry for Percy. I liked the way the Whopper grew, and how uncomfortable it made Percy, so eventually the truth came out and he felt heaps better, a fine lesson for readers of all ages to learn. I can well remember how awful I felt when I lied as a child - it is all consuming. Truth is best! -- Jessica Pitcairn * Nayu's Reading Corner *
Ashdown's deceptively simple drawings on closer look reveal lovely detail around the edges. She has a knack for drawing adorable pets readers might like to adopt right off the page. The Whopper itself, though less lovable, makes a big impression while not overstaying his disruptive turn in the story. It's not easy to make the moral case for always telling the truth without sounding preachy, but this monster book does it by simply sticking to the story and keeping it fun. (Picture book. 3-7) * Kirkus Reviews, US *