What do you think?
Rate this book
Boris and Bella
Bella Legrossi is the messiest monster in all of Booville. Her slime is the slimiest and her grime is the grimiest. Alas, she is neighbors with Boris Kleanitoff, a persnickety ghoul so tidy he vacuums his vampire bats. What could ever bring these two together? Why, a hoppin' Halloween party, of course!
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
9 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Crimi
45 books84 followersCarolyn Crimi, AKA the Pirate Queen, is the author of numerous books for young readers, including BORIS AND BELLA, illustrated by Gris Grimly. Of HENRY AND THE BUCCANEER BUNNIES, she says, "While I don't have long floppy ears or a pro-nounced overbite, Henry and I are kindred spirits, who love books and carrots!"
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
March 15, 2014
“Boris and Bella” is a spooky Halloween book by Carolyn Crimi along with illustrations by Gris Grimly about two monsters, Boris and Bella, who are extremely different from each other as Boris is the monster who loves to be tidy while Bella is the monster who loves to be messy. When their friends ended up going to Harry Beastie’s Halloween Party instead of theirs, Boris and Bella might discover that they may have something in common with each other. If children are in the mood for the spirit of Halloween and comedy, then “Boris and Bella” is just the right book for any child!
Well, well, well! I have read many Halloween children’s books in my lifetime, but I have never read any Halloween books quite like this before! It’s got humor, creepiness and friendship! Carolyn Crimi has certainly done a magnificent job at writing this book, especially when she describes the personalities of each character. The characters that really stood out the most for me were Boris and Bella themselves as they are the true stars of this book! I love the way that Carolyn Crimi sets up the book as a creepy version of “The Odd Couple” as Boris is the tidy monster while Bella is the messy monster (and you know that these two aspects are sort of “explosive” when they combine!), which brings out the hilarity of this story as Boris and Bella are always at odd ends with each other. Gris Grimly’s illustrations are literally something to die for as they are somewhat creepy as you can see all manner of monsters being displayed in this book such as skeletons, vampires, and werewolves. The illustrations give off a sort “Nightmare Before Christmas” feel as it is filled with monsters and the illustrations look a little dark. The images that truly stood out for me were the images of Boris and Bella themselves. Boris is shown to be dressed in a proper grey tuxedo along with bat wings on his back, while Bella is dressed in a long and sloppy looking dress along with green hair that has flies swarming all over it, making the two look different from each other.
Parents should know that there might be some monsters in this book that might scare smaller children such as the skeletons and the werewolves. However, the images in this book are not as scary as you would find in Edward Gorey’s works since it shows the monsters just dancing around having a good time.
Overall, “Boris and Bella” is a brilliant Halloween book for children who love comedy and monsters and I am definitely sure that this book will remain of the most all-time Halloween classics for children that was ever created! For recommendations, I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since smaller children might get a tad bit scared at some of the monster images in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Well, well, well! I have read many Halloween children’s books in my lifetime, but I have never read any Halloween books quite like this before! It’s got humor, creepiness and friendship! Carolyn Crimi has certainly done a magnificent job at writing this book, especially when she describes the personalities of each character. The characters that really stood out the most for me were Boris and Bella themselves as they are the true stars of this book! I love the way that Carolyn Crimi sets up the book as a creepy version of “The Odd Couple” as Boris is the tidy monster while Bella is the messy monster (and you know that these two aspects are sort of “explosive” when they combine!), which brings out the hilarity of this story as Boris and Bella are always at odd ends with each other. Gris Grimly’s illustrations are literally something to die for as they are somewhat creepy as you can see all manner of monsters being displayed in this book such as skeletons, vampires, and werewolves. The illustrations give off a sort “Nightmare Before Christmas” feel as it is filled with monsters and the illustrations look a little dark. The images that truly stood out for me were the images of Boris and Bella themselves. Boris is shown to be dressed in a proper grey tuxedo along with bat wings on his back, while Bella is dressed in a long and sloppy looking dress along with green hair that has flies swarming all over it, making the two look different from each other.
Parents should know that there might be some monsters in this book that might scare smaller children such as the skeletons and the werewolves. However, the images in this book are not as scary as you would find in Edward Gorey’s works since it shows the monsters just dancing around having a good time.
Overall, “Boris and Bella” is a brilliant Halloween book for children who love comedy and monsters and I am definitely sure that this book will remain of the most all-time Halloween classics for children that was ever created! For recommendations, I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since smaller children might get a tad bit scared at some of the monster images in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
January 23, 2015
This was a super cute book.
The unclean Bella and the neat freak Boris come together.
I had a fun time reading this.
The unclean Bella and the neat freak Boris come together.
I had a fun time reading this.
Read
September 8, 2021Boris and Bella is an adorable Halloween picture book recommended for kiddos ages 4 to 7. Boris and Bella are neighbors who are very, very different but come together when both are left out of the town Halloween party. The illustrations are stunning and very Tim Burton-esque. The story of opposites joining forces shows kids that maybe first impressions aren't all that they seem. All over a fun read for all ages! – Sarah K.
September 20, 2016
Very cute! My students loved this book :)
October 5, 2010
I wasn’t expecting much from this book. Even though one Goodreads friend whose taste I trust had liked this a lot, the only reason I read it is that it’s one of 6 picture books being read for this month’s Picture Books Club (October theme is Autumn/Halloween) at the Children's Books group. I have no interest in Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff or their films, or almost any horror films, and I expected this book to have more to do with these men. I was glad the names were more a homage, but that the story was entirely something else.
My expectations were wildly exceeded. This book is absolutely hilarious. The story is very amusing and there are so many funny touches, including playing with words, etc. So, the story is a true comedy, but it’s also sweet. It’s a lot of fun.
The illustrations are fabulous, and often also very funny. They’re really wonderful to view, and they complement the story perfectly.
I’m not certain that young children will get all the jokes but people of all ages can enjoy this book at different levels. Kids and adults who are particularly messy or neat will especially appreciate this story.
Even the inside front cover synopsis and the author and illustrator’s bios on the inside back cover are highly entertaining.
This is a delightful book and it’s perfect for reading aloud. I’m so grateful to the Children’s Books group because I probably wouldn’t have read this if it hadn’t been one of the book club’s books.
My expectations were wildly exceeded. This book is absolutely hilarious. The story is very amusing and there are so many funny touches, including playing with words, etc. So, the story is a true comedy, but it’s also sweet. It’s a lot of fun.
The illustrations are fabulous, and often also very funny. They’re really wonderful to view, and they complement the story perfectly.
I’m not certain that young children will get all the jokes but people of all ages can enjoy this book at different levels. Kids and adults who are particularly messy or neat will especially appreciate this story.
Even the inside front cover synopsis and the author and illustrator’s bios on the inside back cover are highly entertaining.
This is a delightful book and it’s perfect for reading aloud. I’m so grateful to the Children’s Books group because I probably wouldn’t have read this if it hadn’t been one of the book club’s books.
October 14, 2010
This is a perfectly charming story about neighbors Bella Lagrossi and Boris Kleanitoff. As their (delightfully suitable!) names imply, Bella loves to be messy and Boris likes things neat-and-tidy. Living in such close proximity, they are bound to bump into one another now and again, and their respective housekeeping habits soon create a rift. With Halloween on the horizon, each wants to throw the best Halloween party ever--but while they are so caught-up in themselves, they don't realize that their ghoulish townsfolk are all going to ANOTHER Halloween party. When Boris and Bella decide to crash that party, they begin to learn a thing or two about one another--and their own behavior!
The illustrations give such a fabulous "old fashioned monster movie" feel (as some of my friends have noted) and while a few were a tad on the creepy side for my usual taste, they are so well done and contribute so much to the story that I kind of have to love them ;-) The text is delightful (I love all the character names!) and I love the resolution of the story and showing how we can learn from one another and that even if we think we are completely set in our ways, we can always appreciate something "different" and should never be too lofty!
All in all, an outstanding choice for Halloween--or even for Valentine's Day if you'd like a break from the traditional pink hearts and cupids and lace!
The illustrations give such a fabulous "old fashioned monster movie" feel (as some of my friends have noted) and while a few were a tad on the creepy side for my usual taste, they are so well done and contribute so much to the story that I kind of have to love them ;-) The text is delightful (I love all the character names!) and I love the resolution of the story and showing how we can learn from one another and that even if we think we are completely set in our ways, we can always appreciate something "different" and should never be too lofty!
All in all, an outstanding choice for Halloween--or even for Valentine's Day if you'd like a break from the traditional pink hearts and cupids and lace!
October 3, 2017
I Love this book. The Niece and nephew did too, but this was such a sweet treat. I loved the verse and the puns. I loved the characters and the setting. I love that it's set on Halloween and there is dancing. This little book thrilled me as much as the kids and it had me smiling at the end. If you like Halloween, please read this book. It is eerily fantastic.
October 11, 2010
I read Boris and Bella and I loved it! It was funny, warm, and gruesome all at the same time! I totally agree with Brenda on the whole old movie monster feel. Those were my exact thoughts as I read it. The book is very well written and really puts you in the Halloween mood. Attention to detail from beginning to end makes this book especially delightful. I love it when you read all parts of a book and the theme continues. For example, the author and illustrators bios were hauntingly fun. I love the message about how two monsters that are complete opposites and absolutely did not want anything to do with each other learn how to become very good friends. For Boris and Bella to make a compromise for each other was a great lesson. I can see this as a made for TV thirty minute Halloween special! One thing I think that makes this book a great one is I thought about it at after I had read it at different times going about my day. A book that does this, in my opinion, is truly magical! Thanks again for the suggestion from the Children's Book Group!
October 12, 2018
Opposites clash, and then attract, in this humorously monstrous picture-book, which follows neighbors Bella Lagrossi and Boris Kleanitoff - who, as their names suggest, are disgustingly messy and obsessively neat - as they both attempt to throw a Halloween party (without inviting the other). But when all the residents of Booville elect to attend Henry Beastie's party instead, the two rivals reluctantly find themselves going along, and discovering that they have a few things in common, after all...
Recommended by a friend (thanks, Chandra!), and chosen as one of six selections for the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, Boris and Bella is one of those unexpectedly entertaining titles I might never have picked up, were it not for the prompting of others. I'm glad I did, as I found myself chuckling, while reading it, recognizing some of the classic horror film tributes, and appreciating the suitably "nasty" way in which Boris and Bella bond (they both feel superior to the other partyers at Henry Beastie's). With such a monstrously fun narrative, and thrillingly creepy watercolor and ink illustrations by Gris Grimly, it has everything needed for the ideal Halloween title!
Recommended by a friend (thanks, Chandra!), and chosen as one of six selections for the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, Boris and Bella is one of those unexpectedly entertaining titles I might never have picked up, were it not for the prompting of others. I'm glad I did, as I found myself chuckling, while reading it, recognizing some of the classic horror film tributes, and appreciating the suitably "nasty" way in which Boris and Bella bond (they both feel superior to the other partyers at Henry Beastie's). With such a monstrously fun narrative, and thrillingly creepy watercolor and ink illustrations by Gris Grimly, it has everything needed for the ideal Halloween title!
October 10, 2015
Talk about an ODD couple!
There is Bella Legrossi, the messiest monster in all of Booville.
Her slime was the slimiest; her grime was the grimiest.
Now meet her neighbor, Boris Kleanitoff. He dusts his spiderwebs and polishes his pythons.
Will these two ever learn to get along?
Well, one Halloween . . .
I'll say no more - this book just has to be seen!
The Gris Grimly illustrations are TO DIE FOR! Each one begs to be pored over so you don't miss any of the delightful scars, warts or stitches.
An eerily lovely holiday treat about the joys of meeting in the middle.
There is Bella Legrossi, the messiest monster in all of Booville.
Her slime was the slimiest; her grime was the grimiest.
Now meet her neighbor, Boris Kleanitoff. He dusts his spiderwebs and polishes his pythons.
Will these two ever learn to get along?
Well, one Halloween . . .
I'll say no more - this book just has to be seen!
The Gris Grimly illustrations are TO DIE FOR! Each one begs to be pored over so you don't miss any of the delightful scars, warts or stitches.
An eerily lovely holiday treat about the joys of meeting in the middle.
October 5, 2010
This story has some of the best classic movie monsters featured in it and is a wonderful tribute to horror movie masters Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff . The illustrations are reminiscent of the Addams Family or even something from a Tim Burton film. A very funny story that highlights the differences in being to neat versus to messy. A story that shows opposites can attract and has some very creepy play on words.
July 4, 2017
A delightful book that targets not only children but also adults thus there is a little bit of everything for everyone.
Children will enjoying the rhyming of the words and the pictures, especially when the party is under way. The writing is also very simple to understand and read so a wonderful little book to bring in the Halloween season.
Adults who are fans of those old classic horror movies will be able to enjoy matching their favorite B movie actors or find the various clues implying at yet another "monster" movie. Furthermore the adults will also be the ones that pick up on the many puns found throughout the writings.
And although it may be a morbidly odd story with a guessable twist it will still be a fun read for the whole family who can find room in the quirky little hearts for it.
Children will enjoying the rhyming of the words and the pictures, especially when the party is under way. The writing is also very simple to understand and read so a wonderful little book to bring in the Halloween season.
Adults who are fans of those old classic horror movies will be able to enjoy matching their favorite B movie actors or find the various clues implying at yet another "monster" movie. Furthermore the adults will also be the ones that pick up on the many puns found throughout the writings.
And although it may be a morbidly odd story with a guessable twist it will still be a fun read for the whole family who can find room in the quirky little hearts for it.
October 10, 2011
This is a fun halloween story that shows how opposites can truly attract. The monsters are creepy, but comical and the illustrations have a Tim Burton-kind of quality to them. The narrative is humorous and the story is sweet, especially for a Halloween-themed tale. We enjoyed reading this story together and we've read it a couple of times.
This book was selected as one of the October 2011 - Autumn and Halloween reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This book was selected as one of the October 2011 - Autumn and Halloween reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
November 27, 2017
A wonderfully illustrated picture book about two monstery types competing over Holloween parties. Bella Legrossi is wildly messy and Boris Kleanitoff persistently persnickety-neat. Lots of fun and funny details, great storytelling, and everyone lives monstrously happy ever after.
December 27, 2009
This book is absolutely amazing. As a reading tutor I have a really hard time finding books that are entertaining for the kids and not boring. The language in this book is not extremely difficult but some of the passages are quite long. The deal I made with my student was I would read anything over three lines since those seem to be the more difficult passages, not to mention just long for a struggling reader. It's an AWESOME read aloud book though.
Written by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by Gris Grimly, Boris and Bellaencompasses everything that I love. It is the story of messy Bella Legrossi and tidy Boris Kleanitoff; neighbors who despise each other. Each of them decide they want to have a Halloween party, only to find out that no one they invited is coming to either of their parties. Instead everyone wants to go to a completly different person's party because he is doesn't freak out about scratches on his floors and doesn't have a messy house. Boris and Bella both become angry that no one came to their party and decide to bust in on the preferred one. They angrily watch everyone else having fun and dancing. Even though they despise each other and are complete opposites, they are brought together by a longing to dance. I am sure you can guess the end for these two monsters.
I know this seems like a Halloween book, and it is I suppose, but I'm a huge Tim Burton fan and I will dig this stuff year round. The illustrations and story are equally spectacular, which is not often the case. Kids love it too, the child I used it for hates reading and he actually wanted to read this book.
http://englishmajorjunkfood.blogspot.com
Written by Carolyn Crimi and illustrated by Gris Grimly, Boris and Bellaencompasses everything that I love. It is the story of messy Bella Legrossi and tidy Boris Kleanitoff; neighbors who despise each other. Each of them decide they want to have a Halloween party, only to find out that no one they invited is coming to either of their parties. Instead everyone wants to go to a completly different person's party because he is doesn't freak out about scratches on his floors and doesn't have a messy house. Boris and Bella both become angry that no one came to their party and decide to bust in on the preferred one. They angrily watch everyone else having fun and dancing. Even though they despise each other and are complete opposites, they are brought together by a longing to dance. I am sure you can guess the end for these two monsters.
I know this seems like a Halloween book, and it is I suppose, but I'm a huge Tim Burton fan and I will dig this stuff year round. The illustrations and story are equally spectacular, which is not often the case. Kids love it too, the child I used it for hates reading and he actually wanted to read this book.
http://englishmajorjunkfood.blogspot.com
October 2, 2015
The stars of Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi could not be further opposites. Bella is slimy and grimy, while Boris takes his cleaniness to the extreme. But you know what they say about opposites...they attract!
In the case of Boris and Bella, none of the other monsters can take either of their shenanigans, and choose not to attend their parties. It is at the fellow monster's Halloween party that Boris and Bella realize they fit together perfectly in dance hold, and a twirl around the floor--and promises to be less obsessively clean and less messy, respectively--turns their animosity into love.
A very cute book with illustrations that would transfer to a cartoon without any struggle.
In the case of Boris and Bella, none of the other monsters can take either of their shenanigans, and choose not to attend their parties. It is at the fellow monster's Halloween party that Boris and Bella realize they fit together perfectly in dance hold, and a twirl around the floor--and promises to be less obsessively clean and less messy, respectively--turns their animosity into love.
A very cute book with illustrations that would transfer to a cartoon without any struggle.
September 17, 2008
I really am not a fan of the grotesque, one reason Halloween was not one of my favorite holidays. But many children do love it and this book is still absolutely hilarious even with all the gross-ity. I'm not sure younger children would catch all of the jokes, but a listening or reading adult should. Funny, and I kind of a love story by the end. But it was so obvious and "aww" that it was gross--in more ways than one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2010
I LOVE this odd-couple story about a zombie and a vampire who discover that although they are very different people, they can be friends, and not just neighbourly rivals! Reminscent of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, but lacking the adult edge of these two, the illustrations are whimsical and endearing.
I fell in love with this picture book years before I even fell pregnant - I had to have it for Progeny in Potentia.
I fell in love with this picture book years before I even fell pregnant - I had to have it for Progeny in Potentia.
August 31, 2009
My daughter picked this one from the library and it's excellent. She loves it too, we've read it every night for about a week and a half.
Very Tim Burton-ish and fun. It's about two monsters, one a neatnik and one a slob, who end up finding out they're perfect for each other. I expect we'll be buying a copy soon.
Very Tim Burton-ish and fun. It's about two monsters, one a neatnik and one a slob, who end up finding out they're perfect for each other. I expect we'll be buying a copy soon.
November 1, 2014
I really like this story--how perfect for Halloween! The illustrations aren't quite what I usually like but they are nicely spooky, too.
August 15, 2014
A cute story about extremes and compromise for kids who prefer a spookier aesthetic.
January 15, 2017
Not sure where I saw this, but it was while I was searching for fun picture books to read. And I loved this! The art is fantastic and the story is really cute, easily comparable to real life.
May 31, 2017
Very gruesomely cute! Great illustrations and wonderful storytelling!
Try it! It just might "grues" you out! :D
January 22, 2025
The text is about making friends. The illustrations are the Enemies to Friends trope in a monster town.
Library copy
Library copy
November 19, 2017
This sweet fantasy tells the tale of the messiest monster in Booville, Bella Legrossi, and her neat freak of a next door neighbor, ghoul Boris Kleanitoff. The two characters cannot seem to get along and are cruel to one another and refuse to invite the other to their Halloween party. When their friends can’t decide which party to attend because they are tired of the fighting they have to endure when spending time with Boris and Bella they all decide to not go to either. Ultimately Boris and Bella have to learn how to work together and accept one another for their differences.
I read this book recently to my kindergarten class at Halloween. I think that this text would be best read aloud to students in grades kindergarten through second grade. It would make a fun addition at Halloween of course, but I think it is more fitting to use as a character education read aloud. The entertaining way that this book explores the way to overcome differences and being accepting of others would elevate discussion among students. My five and six year olds that I teach had such a great discussion when talking about how they treat others.
This made Boris and Bella a definite WOW book for me. I was so impressed with the discussion that followed my reading of this book. The class begged me to read it again the next day. I read it during snack the following day and once again they had a great conversation with one another. Who knew that a book about monsters, ghouls, witches, zombies, vampires, werewolves, and mummies could provoke children to have a deep conversation about how to treat their friends? The vocabulary in Boris and Bella also made me quickly enjoy the text and allowed me to introduce kindergarten students to rich words that they are continuing to use. Even after taking this book off of my read aloud shelf at the end of the Halloween season and put new books out for November my students still referenced it and asked to read it once again. This will definitely be a book that I read each year to my students.
I read this book recently to my kindergarten class at Halloween. I think that this text would be best read aloud to students in grades kindergarten through second grade. It would make a fun addition at Halloween of course, but I think it is more fitting to use as a character education read aloud. The entertaining way that this book explores the way to overcome differences and being accepting of others would elevate discussion among students. My five and six year olds that I teach had such a great discussion when talking about how they treat others.
This made Boris and Bella a definite WOW book for me. I was so impressed with the discussion that followed my reading of this book. The class begged me to read it again the next day. I read it during snack the following day and once again they had a great conversation with one another. Who knew that a book about monsters, ghouls, witches, zombies, vampires, werewolves, and mummies could provoke children to have a deep conversation about how to treat their friends? The vocabulary in Boris and Bella also made me quickly enjoy the text and allowed me to introduce kindergarten students to rich words that they are continuing to use. Even after taking this book off of my read aloud shelf at the end of the Halloween season and put new books out for November my students still referenced it and asked to read it once again. This will definitely be a book that I read each year to my students.
October 10, 2021
I'm not a Halloween enthusiast, but this book is a fun October read with a good message about getting along with people whose personalities rub us the wrong way. Silly, textural vocab and exquisite illustrations captivated my 2nd graders. Oh, and the little bit of mushy stuff had them groaning with glee. Non-scary October fun.
April 27, 2018
it was perfect and how I wished it was a proper movie or at least cartoon series 💜
October 18, 2020
I'd love to be able to give this 4.5 stars.
cute story and illustrations. Bella is messy and Boris is neat. They live next door to each other and drive each other crazy. We all know what is going to happen but it is fun when it does. And how it does is a bit of a surprise.
cute story and illustrations. Bella is messy and Boris is neat. They live next door to each other and drive each other crazy. We all know what is going to happen but it is fun when it does. And how it does is a bit of a surprise.
February 22, 2020
This is a story with quirky illustrations about a slob and a neat freak that come together and balance each other out.
September 26, 2017
Freaking adorable! This is so fun, and a little bit romantic without the ick factor. This would be a great read-aloud for early elementary or just great for bedtime. The illustrations are super witty and I love all of the word play!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews