From Publishers Weekly
Alcock ( The Mysterious Mr. Ross ) has written a surefire hit in this charmingly weird variation of the "secret pet" theme. Frankie Stein's father is a geneticist at a mysterious and heavily guarded lab; her peers torment her about her name and suggest that her father is creating world-threatening monsters in his lab. When her brother David steals some goop from their father's lab, Frankie cajoles him into giving some to her. The goop is hit by lightning and this turn of events creates a living creaturea mutable, jelly-like substance that endearingly creates too many fingers for its hands and has webbed feet. Frankie stops being afraid of him when she realizes how loving and gentle his nature is, and she decides to keep him in her garden. But soon Frankie must decide to let him find his own safe place or turn him in. Alcock's monster is winningly believable, and Frankie is a brave and sympathetic heroine whom readers will long remember. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6 The story of a young girl who unexpectedly finds herself nurturing a creature of unknown origin. Frankie Stein is the daughter of a scientist whose preoccupation with his work drives a wedge among the family members. When Frankie obtains some unknown genetic ``material,'' she finds herself having to cope with a growing ``monster.'' Alcock has created a sensitive portrait of the alienated Frankie and her attempts to reach out and protect a similarly alienated monster. Initially, the story may remind readers of E.T. in the portrayal of an alien creature of benign nature and the attempt of children to protect it, as well as conjure up ideas regarding the more intentional references to Shelley's novel Frankenstein. However, Alcock goes beyond obvious parallels and creates a strikingly original story which explores contemporary relationships and societal issues regarding future directions in scientific experimentation. The issue of trust also arises as a key factor, and is one with which young people will readily identify. The conclusion of the story is both unexpected and yet believeable. Alcock has once again shown her ability to create a realistic situation through exploration of the fantastic. The smoothly written book will hold the attention of readers through to its touching conclusion. Karen P. Smith, Graduate School of Library and Information Study, Queens College, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
