Matthew's Midnight Adventures

Dosi Cotroneo is a freelance writer living in Manotick, Ontario.

Allen Morgan’s trio of stories about Matthew, a boy who loves tow
trucks, red licorice, and hiding food under his bed, are complemented by
Michael Martchenko’s striking, bold illustrations. The stories are
energetic, fun, and imaginative.

In “Matthew and the Midnight Tow Truck,” Matthew sneaks out while
his mom is asleep and climbs aboard a tow truck with a friendly driver
who gives the youngster some red licorice. They head out on a midnight
adventure of hooking up cars and taking them to a special car wash that
shrinks them down to pocket size. In “Matthew and the Midnight
Turkeys,” the young boy sets out one morning to dig a huge hole in his
mom’s garden to trap the silly midnight turkeys. Sure enough, the
turkeys show up, and do they know how to act silly. Matthew gets in on
the fun and they all wind up having a wonderfully silly time. In
“Matthew and the Midnight Money Van,” Matthew wants to get his mom a
terrific Mother’s Day present but doesn’t have enough money. So he
wishes he was rich and his wish comes true. At midnight it starts
raining money. The Midnight Money Van Man needs Matthew to help him
sweep up the pennies that are all over the streets. They split their
earnings and head to the Mall for a Midnight Madness Sale. Matthew can
now buy his mom a beautiful, huge, diamond ring.

Though the first story is amusing, the idea of a young boy accepting a
ride from a friendly stranger who offers him thrills and candy doesn’t
seem appropriate. The second story is especially comical and younger
readers will enjoy its silliness. The third story is a fine one for
parents and children to share at any time, not just on Mother’s Day.
All in all, this collection of Matthew’s midnight adventures is
recommended.