The Monster in the Backpack by Lisa Moser, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones.

Annie just got a beautiful new backpack with pink and blue flowers.  But an unexpected surprise came along, a little orange monster.  The monster eats Annie’s lunch, except for the carrots, puts gum in one of her boots, and rips up her homework.  Annie is very annoyed, but by the end of the day, she realizes that what she has in her backpack is actually very special and something that she could never get rid of. 

With this unique premise for a beginning chapter book, the book is a lot of fun.  The monster is incredibly cute and nonthreatening.  Readers will giggle at his antics that drive Annie crazy.  The book leaves everyone wishing for a monster in their backpack too.

Recommended as a beginning reader with a great sense of fun.  Beginning readers in first and second grade are sure to enjoy it.