LS 5603 Book Review: Leonardo the Terrible Monster

Picture Book

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2005. LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786852941

Plot Summary
In this engaging book by Mo Willems we meet Leonardo the terrible monster. When you read the title you might think Leonardo is a really ferocious monster but Leonardo is terrible monster; as in, not good at being a monster. Leonardo is "terrible" at being a monster because he is small and not very scary. Leonardo has a solution to his problem; he will find the most scaredy-cat kid in the world and scare him. Upon researching Leonardo discovers that Sam is the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. When Leonardo sneaks up to scare Sam, to Leonardo's glee, Sam cries. We discover however, that Leonardo didn't actually scare Sam though, Sam was just having a bad day. Leonardo decides to be Sam's friend instead of a terrible monster.

Critical Analysis
Willems pictures and dialog capture the character of Leonardo succinctly and in a way that children can quickly empathize with. "He wasn't big like Eleanor", who doesn't even fit in the picture she's so big! Willems unique phrases also catch your ear while providing a specific picture, "and scare the tuna salad out of him!". Willems also uses some alliterations and rhyming to keep the readers attention.

Willems use of space throughout the story is creative genius, by making Sam and Leonardo the same small size the reader instantly knows that these two characters are on the same level. This same use of space serves equally well when we find out why Sam is crying. This time lack of space shows all the reasons Sam is upset, Willems uses the full two pages of the story and includes reasons that children can relate to like, "I got so mad and I kicked the table and stubbed my toe...".

This engaging picture book that is meant for sharing ends with pictures that children can imagine themselves in, Sam and Leonardo trying to scare each other just for fun.

Review Excerpt(s)
ALA Notable book for Children
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With perfect pacing, jaunty retro artwork in calming colors, and astutely childlike perceptions, this chuckle-churning tale is a standout."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "A winner for story hours, with plenty of discussion possibilities."

Connections
*Gather other books by Mo Willems and compare the characters to each other (how is Pigeon like Leonardo, how is Sam like Leonardo, how is Pigeon like Sam, and so on).
*Have children relate a story and draw a picture about a time when they were scared.
*Other friendship stories:
Lobel, Arnold. FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS. ISBN 0590045296
Newberry, Clare. MARSHMALLOW. ISBN 0765109514