Summary: Leonardo is a scary monster who can't scary anyone! Aside from Mo Willems being a picture book genius, this book it cute because it challenges readers to think about how who they are tempted to be and who they are supposed to be are sometimes different. Willems, who started as a writer and animator on "Sesame Street," … And this is excellent! We read this with Kindergarten. But it's executed on so well. I related to it even though it was a children's book. It was very predictable (for this adult) but it was sweet. September 1st 2005 Career. After we read "Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus," I knew that I had to read more of Mo Willems' work. The pictures were cute and big, always good for a group of kids, and the idea of scaring was fresh on our minds as we've recently seen Monsters University, the movie. #1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books, Charlotte Zolotow Award Nominee for Highly Commended Title (2006), Voices & Sounds - Best Read Alouds for Young Children, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, Goodreads Members Suggest: Favorite Very Quick Reads. The fun "twist" that is explained right away is that the featured monster is "terrible" AT being a monster; he can't frighten anyone! Vowing that he will "scare the tuna salad" out of someone, he understands a major research project and turns his sights on Sam. But then he decides to be the best monster friend he can be. :), My 5 year old could not stop laughing at Sam's teary outburst, and has now taken to saying "I am going to scare the tuna salad out of you!". Finally, he finds a nervous little boy, and scares the tuna salad out of him! The students loved to page where Sam screams out his long list of things that are wrong. Determined to succeed, Leonardo sets himself to training and research. Charlotte Observer, April 4, 2006, "Four Questions for Mo Willems." Mo Willems has also written other short stories and articles as well as illustrated books. CBC Magazine, May, 2005, Mo Willems, "How to Become Rich and Famous in One Easy Step (and Other Stuff That Has Nothing to Do with Making Kids' Books)." Agent—c/o Author Mail, Hyperion Books for Children, 114 Fifth Ave., 14th Fl., New York, NY 10011. I picked this up after listening to Kristine Mraz read it during a workshop. Neo liked this story, more because he could tackle the words and laugh at the silliness found within its pages. Be the first to ask a question about Leonardo, the Terrible Monster. While I am not sure if this is a full-fledged series, Neo is happy to scour the library to find more for his bedtime reading ritual. Start by marking “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster” as Want to Read: Error rating book. But scaring people isn't quite as satisfying as he thought it would be. Also, gotta love books with good characterization, fun word choices, and true narrative arcs, that aren't too long for storytime. Addresses. The unscary monster becoming friends with the boy who needs a friend. Children's author Mo Willems has written more than 40 books, and he's at it again. It's a fun story to read aloud, and the pictures are very simple, but expressive. My son had a blast reading it, and I think that that's all that matters to a parent. Finally, he finds a nervous little boy, and scares the tuna salad out of him! He goes on the search for the most scaredy-cat kid...will he be able to scare him? In this piece, we meet Leonardo, a monster who does not seem to be able to spook anyone. 4.5 of 5. Kids love it! Lots of fun to read aloud because you get to make monsters faces and noises, say "tuna salad" twice, and be super dramatic during the big Sam meltdown. My favorite part was Caitlin reading the book to us in class. Is it more important to scare people or to make friends? And has this, uh, unprecedented year gotten completely in the way of... Leonardo is truly a terrible monster--terrible at being a monster that is. When Mo Willems was 5, he was a huge fan of the comic strip "Peanuts," whiling away many an afternoon drawing Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Overall, it was much enjoyed. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to frighten anyone. Determined to succeed, Leonardo sets himself to training and research. Our girls really enjoyed this story. Daily News (Los Angeles, CA), June 18, 2005, Sherry Joe Crosby, "Author Mo Willems Lets His Imagination Take Wing," p. U7. Recommended to Samantha wickedshizuku by: Ha! This is a cute book about a monster, Leonardo, who is terrible at being a monster; he can’t scare anybody. “Leonardo the Terrible Monster” is a truly brilliant book that children everywhere will easily love for many years! I have been reading Mo Willems’ books for a long time and I have recently stumbled upon his book called “Leonardo the Terrible Monster!” “Leonardo the Terrible Monster” is a children’s book by Mo Willems which is about a small monster named Leonardo who tries to be a scary monster, but cannot do so effectively, so he tries to find a child that he could easily scare. What follows is a heart-warming realisation for both Sam and Leonardo. Mo Willems can also get a little sneaky with his techniques, when reading some of his literature that isn't in the Pigeon Collection, sometimes if you look really close you can find the Pigeon hanging out in some of his other books. After his attempt, he ends up changing his plans. Mo Willems, children's author superstar, has yet another series to dazzle young readers. Neo liked this story, more bec. This is a great story about a little monster who can't seem to scare anyone. Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Great read aloud! Vowing that he will "scare the tuna salad" out of someone, he understands a major research project and turns his sights on Sam. I also wear glasses just like he does. Must practice. Refresh and try again. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published It was rather amusing reading this. To see what your friends thought of this book. How did I miss this book for so long? But scaring people isn't quite as satisfying as he thought it would be. This pigeon would become the star of his first book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, which won a Caldecott Honor in 2004. One day he wrote a … After a valiant effort, Leonardo thinks that he has spooked Sam, only to discover the truth. Besides the fact that it's from one of our recent favorite authors, Mo Willems, the story kept the attention of my 5 yr old and preschoolers both. "First of all, I said I want to write books for children, and it took many years for publishers to say, 'Okay.' Maybe a level 1 reader book for young readers. After a valiant effort, Leonardo thinks that he has spooked Sam, only to discover the truth. Because the art and writing aren't especially exceptional and the idea isn't all that original. Another love for us. In this piece, we meet Leonardo, a monster who does not seem to be able to spook anyone. Leonardo realize. Overall, Willems has a very unique writing technique, as … Leonardo realizes that he might be a terrible, awful monster--but he could be a really good friend. especially good for children who are afraid of monsters. I have been reading Mo Willems’ books for a long time and I have recently stumbled upon his book called “Leonardo the Terrible Monster!” “Leonardo the Terrible Monster” is a children’s book by Mo Willems which is about a small monster named Leonardo who tries to be a scary monster, but cannot do so effectively, so he tries to find a child that he could easily scare.