Makeup Mess. Robert Munsch. Illustrated by Michael Martchenko. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2001. 32 pp., pbk., $6.99. ISBN 0-439-98896-9. Subject Headings: Cosmetics-Juvenile fiction. Self-perception-Juvenile fiction. Beauty, Personal-Juvenile fiction. Kindergarten-grade 2 / Ages 5-7. Review by Catherine Hoyt. **** /4

exerpt:

Julie said, "But, but, but... I don't have on any makeup at all!" Then she
ran back up the stairs, looked in the mirror, and yelled, "LOOK AT ME! I'M BEAUTIFUL WITH NO MAKEUP!"

This well-known Canadian author-illustrator duo is at it again. Whenever I read one of Munsch's books, I can hear the author's voice in my head, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM. Even for those of us that couldn't hope to be as animated a reader as Munsch is a storyteller, that doesn't stop us from using his books in programs because we always know that they'll be a guaranteed hit. Martchenko's amusing watercolour illustrations are synonymous with Munsch books. There is always an abundance of humorous depictions on every page. Two of my favorites in Makeup Mess are of the mouse chewing through a lamp cord and the kids watching what appears to be the Paper Bag Princess on TV.

     I really liked this story, perhaps because I saw a bit of myself in the main character. Though my parents never fainted, I'm sure they felt like it because of some of my antics. In Makeup Mess, Julie takes all the money she can get her hands on and buys a pile of makeup. She wants to make herself as pretty as a movie star. Between all the makeup and the earrings, "nineteen earrings in
one ear, seventeen earrings in the other ear, and two in her nose." Julie thinks she's been successful. This story has a lesson that all parents hope their daughters will learn, and, even though it is presented in Munsch's hilarious manner, it's still there: girls don't need makeup to be BEEEEEAUTIFUL!

     Makeup Mess will be a surefire hit with readers young and old. Another delight for Munsch fans everywhere, and a definite buy for every school and public library. A great gift book as well.

Highly Recommended.

Catherine Hoyt is the Curator of the Eileen Wallace Children's Literature Collection at the University of New Brunswick.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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