Munschworks: The First Munsch Collection

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University and an avid outdoor recreationist. She is also the
author of The Mountain Is Moving: Japanese Women’s Lives, Kurlek, and
Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Hom

Munschworks is the first collection of Robert Munsch’s favorite books.
It consists of The Paper Bag Princess, The Fire Station, I Have to Go!,
David’s Father, and Thomas’ Snowsuit.

With his bubbly, offbeat humor and his confidence in child-power,
Munsch is one of Canada’s favorite storytellers. His young heroines
are as feisty as his heroes, sometimes more so. For example, in The
Paper Bag Princess, a fiery dragon carries off Elizabeth’s fiancé as
well as her clothes. Dressed only in a paper bag, Elizabeth follows a
trail to the dragon’s castle, where she tricks the monster and rescues
Ronald. He proves unworthy. The unsuitable relationship breaks up and
the tale ends with Elizabeth dancing in her paper bag dress.

The wimpish Ronald is an anomaly. Munsch’s child protagonists are
generally free spirits, stubborn and daring. One of their favorite lines
is “no, no, no, no, no” or its variation, “NNNNNO.” His
characters have a talent for getting into trouble and causing mayhem.
Adventures always end happily.

Michael Martchenko’s bold, colorful, and hilarious illustrations make
a perfect match for Munsch’s tales. This five-story collection will be
a perennial favorite with small children for years to come. Highly
recommended.