Leonardo is truly a terrible monster-terrible at being a monster that is. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to frighten anyone. Determined...
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Oct 25, 2008
Jess
rated it: 
Picture book - fantasy
For preschool-primary grades
Leonardo is a terrible monster - he's just not scary enough! He finds a scaredy-cat kid to frighten, but ends up with a friend instead.
Who can resist Mo Willem's charms as an illustrator? With a few simple lines, he gives us Leonardo, a monster who teaches us both meanings of the word terrible. Instead of being scary-terrible, he's just terrible at being a monster. Leonardo is perhaps the most adorable and amusin More...
For preschool-primary grades
Leonardo is a terrible monster - he's just not scary enough! He finds a scaredy-cat kid to frighten, but ends up with a friend instead.
Who can resist Mo Willem's charms as an illustrator? With a few simple lines, he gives us Leonardo, a monster who teaches us both meanings of the word terrible. Instead of being scary-terrible, he's just terrible at being a monster. Leonardo is perhaps the most adorable and amusin More...
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Oct 14, 2011
Randie
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Leonardo is terrible at being a terrible monster. He cannot scare anyone. He goes on the search for the most scaredy-cat kid...will he be able to scare him?
I borrowed the CD from the library which features Mo Willems narrating the story. His voice had my son and I rolling on the floor with laughter. Great message, great illustrations, great delivery, great book!
I borrowed the CD from the library which features Mo Willems narrating the story. His voice had my son and I rolling on the floor with laughter. Great message, great illustrations, great delivery, great book!
Dec 03, 2008
Michelle
rated it: 
I am a huge Mo Willams fan, and this book, while not his best work, doesn't disappoint. My boys love this book because of all the silly monsters in it. I like it because it's a cute story.
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Oct 03, 2011
Curtis
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"Leonardo was a terrible monster. He couldn't scare anyone." He didn't have a lot of teeth, he wasn't a giant, and he wasn't just plain weird. Leonardo decided to do all kinds of research to "find the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world." Who he found was Sam. Leonardo gave it all he had and Sam started to cry. Leonardo was satisfied that he finally scared the "tuna salad" out of someone. Sam informed him that he wasn't scared but that he was having a really bad
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Jan 05, 2011
Ronyell
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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. “Leonardo the Terrible Monster” is a truly brilliant book that children everywhere will easily love for many years!
Le More...
Le More...
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Oct 05, 2009
Duone
rated it:
After we read "Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus," I knew that I had to read more of Mo Willems' work. I loved the way the illustrations in his book seem simple, but manage to include lots of things that complement the words on the page. I also think his books have some of my favorite "page-turns."
The title character in "Leonardo, The Terrible Monster" has a serious problem. Well, it's a serious problem if you're a monster: he just isn't thats scary. More...
The title character in "Leonardo, The Terrible Monster" has a serious problem. Well, it's a serious problem if you're a monster: he just isn't thats scary. More...
Jun 29, 2010
Jonathan
rated it: 
The plot of this book is simple and elegant and the illustrations are amazing.
One of the things I like about the Mo Willems 'Pigeon' books is the idea of unrealistic expectations. Pigeon is the ultimate kid because he is impetuous, visceral and full of wants. Often these expectations or desires are unrealistic (like many kids 3-7). In the end though, there is nothing wrong with the wanting as long as you can be happy with who you are and what you have.
This, for me, was the theme More...
One of the things I like about the Mo Willems 'Pigeon' books is the idea of unrealistic expectations. Pigeon is the ultimate kid because he is impetuous, visceral and full of wants. Often these expectations or desires are unrealistic (like many kids 3-7). In the end though, there is nothing wrong with the wanting as long as you can be happy with who you are and what you have.
This, for me, was the theme More...
Oct 02, 2011
Abigail
rated it:
Leonardo was a terrible monster, not because he was terrifying, but because he wasn't, and although he searched high and low for someone to frighten, his efforts were often met with laughter, rather than fear. Then one day, after doing much investigation (market researching comes to the picture-book!), he discovers the perfect target: Sam. But when Leonardo's attack produces the effect he'd been hoping for - a tearful victim - he has a change of heart...
Chosen as one of our October s More...
Chosen as one of our October s More...
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Oct 28, 2011
David
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Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems tells the story of a very young monster who is terrible at being a monster, because he can't scare anyone.
Leonardo wasn't big, didn't have hundreds of teeth, wasn't weird and
just wasn't scary. Leonardo researches until he finds the most timid boy to scare: Sam. He works hard until Sam cries. When Leonardo celebrates having scared someone, Sam tells Leonardo all the troubles that made Sam finally cry, including not having any friend More...
Leonardo wasn't big, didn't have hundreds of teeth, wasn't weird and
just wasn't scary. Leonardo researches until he finds the most timid boy to scare: Sam. He works hard until Sam cries. When Leonardo celebrates having scared someone, Sam tells Leonardo all the troubles that made Sam finally cry, including not having any friend More...
Jan 05, 2011
Dolly
rated it:
This is a great story about a little monster who can't seem to scare anyone. So he researches the biggest scaredy cats in the world and finds a perfect little boy to scare. But he finds out that, while he might not be very good at scaring, there is something he is good at. It's a fun story to read aloud, and the pictures are very simple, but expressive. Our girls really enjoyed this story.
Apr 25, 2011
Eva
rated it: 
I'm afraid I just may be the only person not a fan of Mo Willems. Just like good old Shel Silverstein, he just doesn't impress me. Or my daughter to a lesser extent. Had I seen that this was by Willems I probably wouldn't have even brought it home honestly. That being said, it isn't as bad as City Dog, Country Frog.
The artwork with the monsters is the best part of the book and nothing beautiful could be said about that. They're okay but they looked slopped together. Like Willems knew no o More...
The artwork with the monsters is the best part of the book and nothing beautiful could be said about that. They're okay but they looked slopped together. Like Willems knew no o More...
Dec 04, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
This is a cute book about a monster, Leonardo, who is terrible at being a monster; he can’t scare anybody. So, he does his research to find the one kid (named Sam) who he’ll be most likely to be able to scare, and goes to do that. After his attempt, he ends up changing his plans. It was very predictable (for this adult) but it was sweet.
This is a good book for young children, with very few words on all pages except for one double page spread where there are a lot of words, and in a c More...
This is a good book for young children, with very few words on all pages except for one double page spread where there are a lot of words, and in a c More...
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May 03, 2011
Sara
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Mo Willems is one of my favorite children's authors. His sense of humor and voice shine through in the lively text and illustrations of this book. Leonardo is a monster who feels inadequate with his inability to scare anyone... until he meets a jumpy little boy named Sam. Leonardo's ultimate goal is to scare the TUNA SALAD out of someone.
I love reading this book aloud to kids and showing them the fantastic illustrations with great detail. I love Willems' usage of page space in hi More...
I love reading this book aloud to kids and showing them the fantastic illustrations with great detail. I love Willems' usage of page space in hi More...
Nov 30, 2011
Kara
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Caldecott Honor winner Mo Willems creates another outstanding picture book, this time starring a wannabe "terrible monster" who switches gears after his mission to scare an unsuspecting boy doesn't work. With simple text and uncomplicated illustrations that capture kids' emotions perfectly, Willems's story offers monster-sized giggles while teaching about understanding and friendship. It's a can't-miss addition to your child's bookshelf.
I have read many books this semester, More...
I have read many books this semester, More...
Nov 13, 2010
Kristen
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I feel like going on a Mo Willems bender and reading all of the books of his that I can get my hands on. He is so great, and this book is no exception. It reminded me a bit of Lamont the Lonely Monster, which is my most favorite children's book ever. As usual, Willems' drawings are perfect for the story, the story is cute and funny, and it's sweet without being too sweet. This story of a terrible, unscary monster learning to become a good friend is sure to be a hit at story times!
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Nov 30, 2011
Lindsey
rated it:
This is such an adorable book. Leonardo wants to be a scary monster, but no one seems to be phased by him. He decides to try and scare the most scaredy-cat kid in his class, Sam. He tries to scare him and Sam cries, but to Leonardo's surprise, he cries for other reasons; not because Leonardo scared him. In the end, Leonardo decides that instead of trying to be the scariest monster that he would just try to be the best friend Sam could have.
I love the illustrations in this book and th More...
I love the illustrations in this book and th More...
Dec 13, 2011
Mary
rated it:
This book is on my top five! It was about a little monster who couldn't scare anyone. He found a little boy who he thought he would scare. So when he attempted the little boy started crying. It turns out that the little boy had a lot more than being wrong with him than being scared. So instead of scaring people, Leonardo found something better to do.
I think I would use this book in the classroom as a way to show children that just because your not good at one thing, you could always ke More...
I think I would use this book in the classroom as a way to show children that just because your not good at one thing, you could always ke More...
Jan 29, 2010
Rachel
rated it:
I'm basically passionately in love with Mo Willems. I don't know how he manages to write books that kids find interesting and adults find funny, but he does. I read this book in three successive story times, and due to the large engaging pictures paired with sparse, spot on text, I had three rapt audiences. I also got big, genuine laughs from the adult portion of the audience every time I read the only that's dense with text. So thank you Mo, for making my morning easier.
Mar 15, 2011
Sheniece
rated it:
This book is absolutely hilarious to me. There is a monster name Leonardo who is very determined to scare someone. After trying a couple of times, and I mean trying, he finally finds his target, Sam. I would definitely use this book to talk about emotions with my students. It is soooo funny when the little boy Sam runs down the whole list of things that made him cry. Mo Willems did excellent with this comedic story.
Mar 12, 2011
Kelley
rated it:
Mo Willem's illustrations could tell this story on their own. I love the simple colors and details that Willems uses. My favorite page is when Sam is yelling at Leonardo about why he is crying bc of the character illustrations with the bold, bright words really gets the mood across. When Leonardo decides being a scary monster is not for him, he wants to be the best friend he can be and he succeeds with that!
Nov 24, 2008
Cassie
rated it:
Leonardo is a terrible monster... because he isn't terrifying enough! Along comes Sam. Leonardo sets out to prove he can scare Sam, yet actually learns a lesson along the way.
Written and artfully illustrated by Mo Willems, this book is perfect for Halloween time and reading aloud. The kids will worry about Sam, but just reassure them that all will definitely end well!
Written and artfully illustrated by Mo Willems, this book is perfect for Halloween time and reading aloud. The kids will worry about Sam, but just reassure them that all will definitely end well!
May 21, 2009
Tricia
rated it:
Would you rather be a terrible (that is, not scary) monster or a good friend? Maybe you can be both. The real difficulty would come in being a good (scary) monster and a good friend.
Sparse drawings (very different from much of what we read these days!), sweet story, and the page where Sam just pours out all his woes is notable by way of contrast with all the rest.
Sparse drawings (very different from much of what we read these days!), sweet story, and the page where Sam just pours out all his woes is notable by way of contrast with all the rest.
Nov 10, 2009
Treasure
rated it:
A great story for kids struggling to feel good at something, or a kid who is easily scared or going through the "scared of monsters" stage. A fun book around Halloween, as well as year-around as it is not Halloween specific. The size of the book and the pictures are wonderful and really help tell the story of Leonardo, who was terrible at being a monster.
Nov 26, 2011
Sebin
rated it:
Mo Willems creates Leonardo who is a monster that loves to scare everyone! However, Leonardo is not so good at scaring people anymore. He wants to scare Sam but fails to do so, Leonardo finds something else that he is good at, making people laugh! This book would be great to use to teach bulling and how treating people kindly feels better.
Aug 10, 2011
Amberly
rated it:
Mo Willems won me over with the line, "One day, Leonardo had an idea. He would find the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world... and scare the tuna salad out of him!" The tuna-salad? Love it. THEN I got to the page where the kid shouts out all the crazy reasons why is crying and I loved this book all the more. A great, short book.
Oct 03, 2011
Yellowpagesgirl
rated it:
Be prepared for the tear-jerker ending! I actually got choked up. It might be a hormonal thing, the getting-choked-up-when-reading-kids-books because no kind of pigeon book ever made me get a scrunch-ed up crying chin before but here we find a monter Mo Willems book and mom is reduced to a puddle by the kid's bedside.
Nov 18, 2011
Jennesy
rated it:
One of my top favorites for children's literature. It has a good moral to it and it has a little bit of humor. Great for k-2. The artwork is simply done but it is very suspensful and enticing. I watched a kindergarten teacher read this book to her class and I found myself wondering what was going to happen! LOVE IT!
Jun 06, 2011
A story about a monster who does not stack up to his more terrible friends. Leonardo finds his true talent is being friendly and decides to only be terrible on occasion. This book is different from many of the author's children's books in that it does not use speech bubbles. The story fits with the author's theme of books that praise children for being who they are and reinforces that children do not need to be "number 1" to be proud of who they are.
Oct 05, 2011
Joey
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Most of Mo Willems book teaches a virtue or moral that students should learn to practice. Leonardo is a Monster that loves to scare and be mean to people. In the end Leonardo realized that being nice to peoplpe makes him happier. Great book to teach students not to bully, respect, and be kind to others.
Nov 30, 2010
Kathryn
rated it:
Another winner from Mo Willems. The fun "twist" that is explained right away is that the featured monster is "terrible" AT being a monster; he can't frighten anyone! Full of fun and "ferocious" monsters, this book is at heart a story of honoring yourself and being grateful to those friends who help us do so.
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