The Monsters' Monster
Frankenstein-like monster teaches his creators gratitude.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Monsters' Monster offers a fun lesson in gratitude from the author-illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Me ... Jane and the creator of the syndicated Mutts cartoon strip. The big green-faced monster may look like Frankenstein, but he's kind and gentle, not scary, and he teaches the grouchy little monsters who created him the value of saying "thank you."
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What's the Story?
Three little monsters -- Grouch, Grump, and the two-headed Gloom 'n' Doom -- argue over who's the \"biggest, baddest monster\" among them. Then they create a monster they think will be the biggest, baddest monster ever. But to their surprise, his first words are \"dank you!\" because he's so happy to be alive. And he goes on to teach them about gratitude.
Is It Any Good?
THE MONSTERS' MONSTER is sweet but not sappy, and, in a fun way, it contrasts the little monsters' bad attitudes and behavior with the big monster's open heart and gratitude for the gift of life. Patrick McDonnell's cartoon-like illustrations are easy to love, with lots of action and emotion in a simple palette of black, white, orange, and green, with a bit of blue. Kids may find it easier to remember to say "thank you" after this monstrously friendly story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important to say "thank you." Do you always remember to say it when someone gives you something or does something nice for you?
How is the big monster in this story different from the Frankenstein you've seen in scary movies or stories?
What's fun about stories with monsters?
Book Details
- Author: Patrick McDonnell
- Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date: September 4, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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