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Princess Posey #4
Princess Posey and the Monster Stew
Halloween frights are no match for Princess Posey and her tutu
Posey loves Halloween. But after Miss Lee announces that the first grade class will be eating Monster Stew, Posey gets worried. Luckily, her tutu turns her into Princess Posey, the girl who can tackle any problem! She finds out what "lizard livers" and "monster eyeballs" really are, and her new neighbor has just the right thing to light up Halloween night.
Posey loves Halloween. But after Miss Lee announces that the first grade class will be eating Monster Stew, Posey gets worried. Luckily, her tutu turns her into Princess Posey, the girl who can tackle any problem! She finds out what "lizard livers" and "monster eyeballs" really are, and her new neighbor has just the right thing to light up Halloween night.
96 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2012
14 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 31, 2016
From all the parents out there who read tons of books to their kids and sometimes have to suffer through some really awful ones because their kids love them, I would like to say Thank You. My son loves these and so do I.
July 1, 2023
3.5 stars. You know I love a festive book and this one is definitely that, but it needed more pages! In this, we get to see Posey's first grade Halloween experience. People are saying that trick or treating with flashlights is for babies (as Posey has always done before) so she's trying to be brave. Her teacher also makes "monster stew" and she's really scared, but her teacher lets her in on the secret. I wanted a little more conversation about overcoming fears, but otherwise it was good!
December 3, 2023
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings: Fake gore (eye-balls, livers, blood, etc.) All of these are shown to be safe pretty immediately. Secret keeping with a school teacher. (It is an innocent secret but this is not the type of language we use in my household due to its connection with groomers and abuse. I subbed the word out for surprise when reading it to my daughter.)
Summary
In this book Princess Posey’s class is going to be making some Monster Stew at their Halloween party. This should be fun until you start to think about the eyeballs and bats’ blood that it’s filled with… How could their teacher force them to eat that stuff? At least she is going to have an amazing costume, thanks to Gramps and her own imagination.
Can you keep a secret? She whispered. Posey nodded. Keeping a secret was important. Especially if it was for Miss Lee.
PAGE 73
Review
This was a very cute story that highlights anxiety and the struggles of talking about them when you are suppose to be “too old” to have such fears. When your told flashlights are for babies and your neighbors take pleasure in looking horrifying scary, it’s hard to feel brave about Halloween. However, Posey makes it with the help of a few different people throughout the book. She ends up helping someone else through their fear by the end of the book. It is a wonderful picture of how children will do as they see. Different adults made Posey feel safe, and so we see her comfort her little brother and another friend later in the story. She shows amazing empathy and compassion for others. My only problem is with the secret keeping. Even though the secret is completely innocent, I hate using that word due to the connection with abuse and being told to keep it a “secret”. It is confusing for some kids as to what is a “good secret” and a “bad secret”. Therefore, in my household to make it clear, we use the word “suprise” when it’s a “good secret” (Ex: a surprise party, a gift, etc.) I also didn’t enjoy where Posey says it’s so important to keep secrets, especially if it’s for her teacher. This could send the message that when adults or teachers who ask you to keep secrets you must keep them. And that you are “special” for getting to have a secret with them. Of course, for some parents this would be no problem and if that is the case for you, that’s okay. For my child though, I subbed the word for surprise so it isn’t confusing. I do not believe in any way that the author meant this to be implied in any bad way. This is a personal preference of mine as a mom. This was not the author trying to confuse children, of course. This book is adorable though and had great lessons of anxiety, compassion, and empathy.
Conclusion
Me and my daughter loved this book! She has had me read it to her twice already. We plan on making the DIY hat they show at the end of the book this week. It was cute with very meaningful lessons. You already know my only complaint, which you can use your own discretion on. Otherwise, I’d highly recommend reading it! It was so great for the Halloween season and made me remember my own childhood which was nice.
Review written by Alyssa Dyann
Content Warnings: Fake gore (eye-balls, livers, blood, etc.) All of these are shown to be safe pretty immediately. Secret keeping with a school teacher. (It is an innocent secret but this is not the type of language we use in my household due to its connection with groomers and abuse. I subbed the word out for surprise when reading it to my daughter.)
Summary
In this book Princess Posey’s class is going to be making some Monster Stew at their Halloween party. This should be fun until you start to think about the eyeballs and bats’ blood that it’s filled with… How could their teacher force them to eat that stuff? At least she is going to have an amazing costume, thanks to Gramps and her own imagination.
Can you keep a secret? She whispered. Posey nodded. Keeping a secret was important. Especially if it was for Miss Lee.
PAGE 73
Review
This was a very cute story that highlights anxiety and the struggles of talking about them when you are suppose to be “too old” to have such fears. When your told flashlights are for babies and your neighbors take pleasure in looking horrifying scary, it’s hard to feel brave about Halloween. However, Posey makes it with the help of a few different people throughout the book. She ends up helping someone else through their fear by the end of the book. It is a wonderful picture of how children will do as they see. Different adults made Posey feel safe, and so we see her comfort her little brother and another friend later in the story. She shows amazing empathy and compassion for others. My only problem is with the secret keeping. Even though the secret is completely innocent, I hate using that word due to the connection with abuse and being told to keep it a “secret”. It is confusing for some kids as to what is a “good secret” and a “bad secret”. Therefore, in my household to make it clear, we use the word “suprise” when it’s a “good secret” (Ex: a surprise party, a gift, etc.) I also didn’t enjoy where Posey says it’s so important to keep secrets, especially if it’s for her teacher. This could send the message that when adults or teachers who ask you to keep secrets you must keep them. And that you are “special” for getting to have a secret with them. Of course, for some parents this would be no problem and if that is the case for you, that’s okay. For my child though, I subbed the word for surprise so it isn’t confusing. I do not believe in any way that the author meant this to be implied in any bad way. This is a personal preference of mine as a mom. This was not the author trying to confuse children, of course. This book is adorable though and had great lessons of anxiety, compassion, and empathy.
Conclusion
Me and my daughter loved this book! She has had me read it to her twice already. We plan on making the DIY hat they show at the end of the book this week. It was cute with very meaningful lessons. You already know my only complaint, which you can use your own discretion on. Otherwise, I’d highly recommend reading it! It was so great for the Halloween season and made me remember my own childhood which was nice.
Review written by Alyssa Dyann
November 6, 2025
Princess Posey loved Halloween, but her neighbor wore an Ogre Costume and he had a droopy eye. He threw the eye at Posey and she didn't like it. But she knew it wasn't real. Mrs Lee made some Monster Stew, but Posey told her she didn't want to eat it. But Mrs Lee showed her it just raisins and that made it fun.
October 1, 2017
2.5 stars
My first chapter book read aloud to my students for the new school year. They seemed to enjoy the story, but it hasn't incited their desire to check out the other books in the series. Perhaps it will take time to see a change in that response.
My first chapter book read aloud to my students for the new school year. They seemed to enjoy the story, but it hasn't incited their desire to check out the other books in the series. Perhaps it will take time to see a change in that response.
January 4, 2018
Maybe I'm just not the target audience, but these are truly getting old already. I do like Posey's extra special princess hat that she makes, though, and I especially like that Gramps helps her with it.
October 1, 2021
I liked that she wasn't scared at the ogre's eyeball at the end but I am not glad she was scared of it, in the beginning. I like that she was trick or treating. I thought the monster stew would be real but it was actually nothing.
December 27, 2025
Posey is a little girl who lives with her mother. She spends a lot of time with her Grandpa, too. At school, Miss Lee tells the class they will be making Monster Stew. As Halloween approaches, six-year-old Posey wants to be more brave than she was last year. My daughter really enjoys this series.
September 18, 2019
A cute little Halloween story.
October 2, 2019
3.5 ☆☆☆
October 9, 2019
I liked this book because it is really cute and I like the girl that's in it. Princess Posey thought that there was real eyeballs in the stew.
April 24, 2021
Finishing a chapter book in one evening is quite nice. Not quite a seasonal read though. Oops!
March 9, 2022
These books are super cute. We really like Princess Posey! They tackle first grade topics in a fun and appropriate way! They are fun to read aloud to my newly five year old.
November 8, 2022
Read it with my 5 year old she loved it seems like a great series for Littles
March 10, 2024
3.5 stars. Another solid recommendation from my 7 year old great-niece. 😊
January 12, 2026
its a very good book.
December 19, 2016
It’s Halloween in this fourth book in the Princess Posey series, and the boys in Posey’s class have told her that only babies go trick-or-treating with flashlights. Her teacher says they’ll be having monster stew in class on Halloween. On top of that, one of the boys next door is wearing a scary ogre mask as part of his costume. Posey doesn’t want to be a baby, but she is definitely scared of the dark and of monsters. It will take a lot of creativity - and some help from Gramps - to make sure Halloween is fun and not too scary.
I think it’s hard to write a holiday-themed chapter book without repeating themes and storylines that have been done before, and I think that’s why this book feels weak in comparison to others of the series. The first three books focus on problems that are specific to Posey as a unique, well-developed character. This time, Posey faces the same old fears that every chapter book protagonist deals with at Halloween, and as a result, the story is not as engaging as the others. I was puzzled, too, as to why the adults in this book seem fine with Posey trick-or-treating without a flashlight. I might be reading into that too much, but from the time the issue arose in the first chapter, I was waiting for the well-meaning adult to step in with the safety lecture and it didn’t happen. Granted, Posey does not end up walking the streets in the dark. I just thought it was a strange idea that a child would go out at night without a light.
I think the best part of this book is the character of Posey’s grandfather, Gramps. I like that he helps Posey with things like carving a pumpkin and putting together a princess hat. I also like that he doesn’t indulge Posey’s fears, but reinforces the idea that she should expect some gags on Halloween, but that she is capable of taking care of herself. The story as a whole also drives home the underlying message I think small kids need to hear at Halloween - that we fear what we don’t know, but it’s all pretend, and if we look closely, we can see the silliness beneath the scariness.
Just like the books before it, Princess Posey and the Monster Stew is a cute, sweet story just perfect for girls in kindergarten and first grade. It’s just not the strongest one of the series, or the most memorable.
I think it’s hard to write a holiday-themed chapter book without repeating themes and storylines that have been done before, and I think that’s why this book feels weak in comparison to others of the series. The first three books focus on problems that are specific to Posey as a unique, well-developed character. This time, Posey faces the same old fears that every chapter book protagonist deals with at Halloween, and as a result, the story is not as engaging as the others. I was puzzled, too, as to why the adults in this book seem fine with Posey trick-or-treating without a flashlight. I might be reading into that too much, but from the time the issue arose in the first chapter, I was waiting for the well-meaning adult to step in with the safety lecture and it didn’t happen. Granted, Posey does not end up walking the streets in the dark. I just thought it was a strange idea that a child would go out at night without a light.
I think the best part of this book is the character of Posey’s grandfather, Gramps. I like that he helps Posey with things like carving a pumpkin and putting together a princess hat. I also like that he doesn’t indulge Posey’s fears, but reinforces the idea that she should expect some gags on Halloween, but that she is capable of taking care of herself. The story as a whole also drives home the underlying message I think small kids need to hear at Halloween - that we fear what we don’t know, but it’s all pretend, and if we look closely, we can see the silliness beneath the scariness.
Just like the books before it, Princess Posey and the Monster Stew is a cute, sweet story just perfect for girls in kindergarten and first grade. It’s just not the strongest one of the series, or the most memorable.
March 28, 2015
I got a set of these hard-cover books for very cheap at a Friends of the Library book sale. I was very happy to note the large print with a nice big space between lines. Reading through, the mentality, language, and story was perfect for a group of my high first and mid-low second grade girls. Without a level on scholastic book-wizard (besides saying it was a 1.2 grade level), I decided we could just give it a try. It was well worth that try for my low-high second graders who hated reading and were terrified of those big nasty looking chapter books! They did great with the story! They enjoyed, comprehended, and connected with the story.
During and after reading, those second grade girls started picking up the other Princess Posey books I had in our class library. One of the moms shared that her child had never before come home from school and read without any reminder and fit. I owe it to this book for helping her to learn to love reading!
During and after reading, those second grade girls started picking up the other Princess Posey books I had in our class library. One of the moms shared that her child had never before come home from school and read without any reminder and fit. I owe it to this book for helping her to learn to love reading!
October 26, 2023
It's subtle...if you read these in order the reading level will get just a little bit harder as you go. I LOVE when a series takes that into consideration. And the fact that my daughters can't get enough of these books pleases me as well. What a great and fun way to advance your reading level!
This is a Halloween story and as usual Posey has her own unique way of handling her fears. Adventurous and brave, Posey is a role model I'd like for my own kids (beautiful the way she comforts her little brother). Awesome book!
Edit to add on re-read - quick thought: shouldn't there have been something in here about how lights are a good idea when trick or treating anyway? I know the kids thought it was babyish, but somehow addressing safety (again a problem I see with these books) feels like a missed opportunity. Thoughts?
This is a Halloween story and as usual Posey has her own unique way of handling her fears. Adventurous and brave, Posey is a role model I'd like for my own kids (beautiful the way she comforts her little brother). Awesome book!
Edit to add on re-read - quick thought: shouldn't there have been something in here about how lights are a good idea when trick or treating anyway? I know the kids thought it was babyish, but somehow addressing safety (again a problem I see with these books) feels like a missed opportunity. Thoughts?
December 18, 2015
This is a very cute book and a very good Halloween read for kids. After coming off of a bad children's Halloween book, this is a breath of fresh air.
Posey is an adorable and relatable little girl. She is curious and she likes school and she has the kinds of fears young children might have at Halloween. She is a little teased by boys in her class and wants to be seen as brave.
Overall, this is a quick read, and makes a good transition book from picture books to chapter books. It is simple and straightforward, with a nice story. I would highly recommend this one for young readers for the Halloween season.
Posey is an adorable and relatable little girl. She is curious and she likes school and she has the kinds of fears young children might have at Halloween. She is a little teased by boys in her class and wants to be seen as brave.
Overall, this is a quick read, and makes a good transition book from picture books to chapter books. It is simple and straightforward, with a nice story. I would highly recommend this one for young readers for the Halloween season.
January 23, 2015
My 6 yr old daughter is a huge fan. Reading level is 2.9.
It is a great series for advance girl readers. Posey is very sweet, but timid--a typical 1st grade girl. In this book, she is both excited about all that Halloween has to offer, but a bit afraid of Halloween, too. This is also typical 1st grade stuff.
In the end, she shows conquers her fears to have a fun & creative time.
My daughter wishes there could be 99 books in the series.
It is a great series for advance girl readers. Posey is very sweet, but timid--a typical 1st grade girl. In this book, she is both excited about all that Halloween has to offer, but a bit afraid of Halloween, too. This is also typical 1st grade stuff.
In the end, she shows conquers her fears to have a fun & creative time.
My daughter wishes there could be 99 books in the series.
July 4, 2014
Posey is back, and this time it is to celebrate Halloween, with monster stew.
Another adorable read with Posey, a first-grader looking to live each day with all she can.
This series is perfect for read-alouds with your little ones, ages 4 to 6.
I'm going to have to check my library for the third one!
Another adorable read with Posey, a first-grader looking to live each day with all she can.
This series is perfect for read-alouds with your little ones, ages 4 to 6.
I'm going to have to check my library for the third one!
September 1, 2014
For a book this size, Princess Posey and the Monster Stew packs a lot of punch! It's one kids will love, and parents will to because it's enjoyable enough to hold for repetitions and the kind of book-obsession kids often go for. Find my full spotlight (plus the cat's two cents) on my blog, and happy reading!
August 29, 2012
Another great story about Posey! As she has with the other Princess Posey books, Greene treats her fears and anxieties with respect and it makes Posey a great character. This time it's about Halloween with a dash of growing up--and the perfect compromise at the end. Yay for Princess Posey! :)
May 2, 2013
I thought this was a really cute book. I would definitely recommend reading it to you classroom or children during halloween time to show them that it is okay to be afraid of things and eventually you will be able to face them.
August 31, 2012
My niece and I read the whole book in one day!!!!! We love Posey's stories. Ms. Greene keep them coming!!!!!! :-)
December 7, 2012
I totally didn't know she had more books until I got on goodreads and I plan on reading more because I think it would be a good addition to my classroom.
July 19, 2013
Charming just charming!!!
July 24, 2013
Some kids have a security blanket, but Posey has her tutu to help her through scary times. Cute series for 1st/2nd grade readers.
October 22, 2014
Another winner in the Princess Posey series - this one perfect for Halloween read aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews