Leonardo the Terrible Monster

Just in case Jack does not look sufficiently enthused, I have to emphasize to you that this is quite possibly the best loved book that has been in our house for a long time. So good, in fact, that we had to pay a fine at the library because we held onto it way too long! I ended up buying it (the kids were happy to open that package!) and we've read our own copy several times already.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster is about Leonardo, who is, admittedly, a terrible monster. He doesn't seem to be able to scare anybody. This leads him to try to find "the most scaredy-cat kid in the world". There's a great page in here showing Leonardo doing "research" - posters on his wall, balled up pieces of paper overflowing the trash, a cup of coffee. His "research" leads him to Sam, who he does, in fact, scare! Well, it turns out that Sam has some other reasons for crying (a huge list, actually). It's at this point that Leonardo decides that he'd much rather be a good friend than a scary monster (although he reserves the right to scare Sam on occasion).

What I love about this book: The illustrations are huge (the book is large too), which makes it an easy book to read to two kids. There aren't a ton of words on each page, which makes it easier to hold Colin's attention. It has a great message (friendship and empathy) but is funny and appealing at the same time.

What Jack loves about this book: His hands-down favorite line in the book is when Leonardo wants to find the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world and "scare the tuna salad out of him". Cracks him up every time!

What Colin loves about this book: He loves the different expressions that Leonardo makes & he loves the part at the end when Sam chases after Leonardo. He also just loves talking about who is who and what they are doing.

Did I mention this book is written and illustrated by Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny anyone?)? Enough said.

Run to the library to check this book out or buy it here.  Well worth the $9.99.

P.S. Totally unrelated, but this is the first photo I've published on the blog that I took in manual mode on my camera.  Trying to break my dependence on the auto functions!  Not the best photo, but it's a start.