Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters

It’s been a while since I read a book that was as much fun as Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters. The first book in this spooky illustrated middle-grade mystery starts with a bang. Readers follow Theodora who is adopted by a monster foster family of sorts since her birth but when her family's true secrets are at risk of being revealed, she must get to the bottom of the mystery to find them.

Though this book features things that go bump in the night, it’s very lighthearted and filled with many humorous moments that are sure to delight younger readers. Being that the novel features many supernatural monsters and creatures, this is also a fitting read for the Autumn/Halloween season. The descriptive writing along with the vibrant (but black and white) illustrations helps to enhance the reading for its audience. Theodora acting as an amateur sleuth has readers engage with the story to solve the mystery themselves. It made me look forward to anticipating each new chapter to see what surprises I would discover along the way.

The world-building for the first installment of this series is done well with lovable characters such as our main protagonist and villains such as the strict principal Mrs. Frumple (whose name matches her personality). The mansion setting was exciting as well with its winding corridors, secret rooms, and colorful house guests of the MLM (Monstrous League of Monsters). I love the inclusion of traditional monsters such as a mummy and werewolf, with some unique contenders such as Figaro, the opera-singing ghost.

Most of all what I enjoyed about this book is that it embraces the silly side of spooky things so that the book isn’t scary and gives off a cozy feeling. I loved the storyline of found family and how Theodora and the monsters show their love and support for one another. They have each other’s back along with Theodora’s newfound friend. It sends a message that family has no one definition and it leaves the readers with a good feeling after finishing the novel.

I would recommend this novel to middle-grade readers who like spooky things, solving mysteries, and a not-so-scary read for the Halloween season!