Brunt and Eggbert make an unlikely pair. One is a monster. One is a boy. Friendship isn’t the obvious outcome, yet they’ve built a life that works. They share a cave. They share stories. They share peach cobbler and quiet companionship. Their routine is sometimes interrupted by Astrid, the veterinarian from the local zoo, who drops by with news and the occasional surprise.

One day, Astrid arrives with a small monster in tow, spiky, clawed, and bristling with attitude. She looks like a younger, female version of Brunt, and she acts like she has something to prove. Brunt and Eggbert hesitate, then agree to let her stay. The question becomes immediate and practical: can they help her learn how to live with others without losing herself in the process?

Brunt and Eggbert Happen Upon a Wreck!, by Jeff Dorrill, is an illustrated children’s book and the second installment in the Brunt and Eggbert series. It’s a strong fit for more advanced young readers, roughly ages 5–10.

Despite its short length, the story carries surprising density. The plot has real structure and forward motion. Each page feels purposeful. The full-color illustrations are rich and expressive, and Dorrill’s prose adds layers of detail that invite rereads rather than quick skimming.

At its core, the book offers a humane message. Antisocial behavior often softens when someone chooses patience over punishment. Brunt and Eggbert model that shift when they decide to foster the young monster Astrid finds. Brunt, in particular, understands the cost of being labeled an outsider. He remembers what it meant when Eggbert took a chance on him. He responds with the same generosity, not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.

It’s an excellent lesson for children and for adults, too. Everyone has moments of prickliness when they feel unseen or misunderstood. A little respect goes a long way. A steady listener can change the temperature of an entire relationship. That direct, uncomplicated truth anchors the book, and it helps the story land with warmth, clarity, and real emotional payoff.

Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0G6N297RQ