Boris and Bella

Opposites clash, and then attract, in this humorously monstrous picture-book, which follows neighbors Bella Lagrossi and Boris Kleanitoff - who, as their names suggest, are disgustingly messy and obsessively neat - as they both attempt to throw a Halloween party (without inviting the other). But when all the residents of Booville elect to attend Henry Beastie's party instead, the two rivals reluctantly find themselves going along, and discovering that they have a few things in common, after all...

Recommended by a friend (thanks, Chandra!), and chosen as one of six selections for the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, Boris and Bella is one of those unexpectedly entertaining titles I might never have picked up, were it not for the show more prompting of others. I'm glad I did, as I found myself chuckling, while reading it, recognizing some of the classic horror film tributes, and appreciating the suitably "nasty" way in which Boris and Bella bond (they both feel superior to the other partyers at Henry Beastie's). With such a monstrously fun narrative, and thrillingly creepy watercolor and ink illustrations by Gris Grimly, it has everything needed for the ideal Halloween title! show less

This was an amazing book! Think of Felix and Unger but as monsters. Bella is the messy one and Boris is the neat freak. Can they ever get along as neighbors? Hmmm maybe a Halloween party will bring them together?!?!? The book is so full of monster puns that it is glorious and the artwork of Gris Grimly is just perfect.

I absolutely loved this picture book! For one, I loved all of the alliterations throughout the story. Carolyn Crimi did a great job at playing with words. For example, one of the character's names is 'Morrie Mummy', and she also incorporates it into the story by saying things like, "stupid shindig," and, "shrieking and screeching." The second thing I liked in this story were the illustrations. They showed clearly that Bella and Boris were very opposite, Bella being dirty and Boris clean. For example, when they show Bella's home, you can see trash and dirty and messes all around, whereas in Boris' home, it is spotless and clean with very little furniture. This helps aid the story because the text tells the reader that they didn't like show more each other because of the other's messy or clean ways. The meaning of the story is that even if two people may seem different on the outside, they may have more in common than they think. show less

Everyone in Booville seems to get along. Everyone, that is, except for neighbors Bella and Boris. Bella Legrossi is the messiest creature in town, while Boris Kleanitoff is the tidiest.

Bella and Boris argue all the time. As Halloween rolls around, each tries to outdo the other with a spectacular party. When all the other monsters turn them down to attend Harry Beastie’s party, Bella and Boris are left out and all alone again. Together they decide to find out what all the other creatures are shrieking about. And together they stumble upon a nice surprise.

The Bottom Line: This tale of two opposites is witty and clever. This spooky tale of friendship is one of my favorites this year. Kids in lower grade school will love Gris Grimly’s show more spooktacular illustrations in ink and watercolor. This Halloween treat is sure to be a winner for story time reading as well.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. show less

Boris and Bella is the story of two monsters who are complete opposites. Each decide to throw a Halloween party - and guests decline both invitations - they individually crash another monster's party. It is there that opposites attract. The story is a great lesson on finding the good in everyone and accepting others. If everyone was exactly like me, the world would be a boring place! This is difficult for people to remember sometimes and this story is a cute reminder.

Despite that one can see the ending coming before one even opens the book, and despite the fact that I, personally, don't like monster stories, this was clever and fun.

38 months - a refreshingly different Halloween story about an unlikely couple who are quite the opposite of each other and yet their differences end up making them perfect for each other.