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The Want Monsters: And How They Stopped Ruling My World
What do you do when your inner "Want Monster" is out of control--again? This quirky, engaging picture book brings mindfulness practice to a problem that all kids--and even adults--can relate to.
It's a scenario that is familiar to all you and your child are in a toy store, or walking past an ice cream truck and instantaneously, your child's "want monster" kicks into high gear. Often, giving in only leads to more and more wanting. What to do? The Want Monsters takes a unique and humorous look at how one boy learns how to calm Oskar, his "Want Monster." He says that often Oskar is a fun and lively companion, urging him to push the envelope in all sorts of situations--eating too much ice cream, playing video games until his thumbs fall off, needing to be the center of attention "way too much." But the boy gets tired of the drama and fallout from it, and, after getting some advice from a wise worm, finds a way to tame Oskar without hurting his feelings--or destroying the good and motivating energy that "wanting" can also generate. This is a warm and relatable story for children ages 4-8, with beautiful, bright drawings that are executed with humor and subtlety.
It's a scenario that is familiar to all you and your child are in a toy store, or walking past an ice cream truck and instantaneously, your child's "want monster" kicks into high gear. Often, giving in only leads to more and more wanting. What to do? The Want Monsters takes a unique and humorous look at how one boy learns how to calm Oskar, his "Want Monster." He says that often Oskar is a fun and lively companion, urging him to push the envelope in all sorts of situations--eating too much ice cream, playing video games until his thumbs fall off, needing to be the center of attention "way too much." But the boy gets tired of the drama and fallout from it, and, after getting some advice from a wise worm, finds a way to tame Oskar without hurting his feelings--or destroying the good and motivating energy that "wanting" can also generate. This is a warm and relatable story for children ages 4-8, with beautiful, bright drawings that are executed with humor and subtlety.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 6, 2018
I WANT A PUPPY!
I WANT A COOKIE!
I WANT TO WATCH TELIVISION!
I WANT A RAISE!
So we hear the words "I Want..." Come out of our childrens mouths as well as our own a little bit to often..... Am i right? I mean i think i am right... Its pretty hard for me to go about my whole day without wanting something should it be a new ebook that i cannot afford, a new stick of lipstick, or maybe even a hug from a friend that i don't get to see much. The Want Monsters by Chelo Manchego was not just a book for children but it can relate to older people as well.I enjoyed how this book tells us to tell our Want Monster "no" whenever we get the feeling that we want something that we don't need. Yes that desire is going to hang around for awhile but eventually your going to forget about it and move on with your life. That is what this book is trying to teach us... I am pretty bad at telling my wants no... Thats because i go into Walmart way to much.. Okay so i love Jolly Rancher candies and i had a craveing for some so i go into Walmart and buy a huge party bag size for six dollars...... I ate them all in a week.... All five hundred pieces in a week and no cavities... I have tic syndrome anugar sets them off so i should of told my want monster no and walked away..... Anyways i am throwing myself off topic here..... This story is a learning tool for everyone and therefore gets five stars....... The story made me smile and i enjoyed the lesson...
The pictures in this story looked like a child drew them but i think that was the whole effect was to make it look like a child was telling the story and i enjoyed that so the pictures get three stars..... Oops i think i went over a little bit....... Oh well this bok deserves extra credit and should be put on every readers book shelf.
My Rateing
8/5
I WANT A COOKIE!
I WANT TO WATCH TELIVISION!
I WANT A RAISE!
So we hear the words "I Want..." Come out of our childrens mouths as well as our own a little bit to often..... Am i right? I mean i think i am right... Its pretty hard for me to go about my whole day without wanting something should it be a new ebook that i cannot afford, a new stick of lipstick, or maybe even a hug from a friend that i don't get to see much. The Want Monsters by Chelo Manchego was not just a book for children but it can relate to older people as well.I enjoyed how this book tells us to tell our Want Monster "no" whenever we get the feeling that we want something that we don't need. Yes that desire is going to hang around for awhile but eventually your going to forget about it and move on with your life. That is what this book is trying to teach us... I am pretty bad at telling my wants no... Thats because i go into Walmart way to much.. Okay so i love Jolly Rancher candies and i had a craveing for some so i go into Walmart and buy a huge party bag size for six dollars...... I ate them all in a week.... All five hundred pieces in a week and no cavities... I have tic syndrome anugar sets them off so i should of told my want monster no and walked away..... Anyways i am throwing myself off topic here..... This story is a learning tool for everyone and therefore gets five stars....... The story made me smile and i enjoyed the lesson...
The pictures in this story looked like a child drew them but i think that was the whole effect was to make it look like a child was telling the story and i enjoyed that so the pictures get three stars..... Oops i think i went over a little bit....... Oh well this bok deserves extra credit and should be put on every readers book shelf.
My Rateing
8/5
February 5, 2017
I really don’t know how to rate this book. I loved the illustrations and the message, but for whom is this book aimed? The target audience for these drawings and the simple message that we should control our desires instead of letting them control us isn’t advanced enough to handle the advanced language of the book. And those old enough for the message — middle-grade readers — wouldn’t be caught dead reading something they’d consider babyish. Maybe it’s a book for grandmas to read to their young charges? Even then, the language is a bit advanced for 4- and 5-year-olds.
And that’s too bad because the message is so important and the illustrations captivating.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Shambhala Publications, Inc., in exchange for an honest review.
And that’s too bad because the message is so important and the illustrations captivating.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Shambhala Publications, Inc., in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2022
Probably best for families to share together. But good for the 'all ages' crowd that loves Dr. Seuss's *The Places You'll Go* sorts of books, too. And for those who like fables. Though it's not subtle like the best fables. In fact, if you're not into weird art or picture-books, I can give you the message that the book does spell out:
August 24, 2016
The nameless hero has a problem - his want monster Oskar wants, wants and wants, often with disastrous results. This is the tale of how the hero learns to accept and tame his want monster.
The illustrations are done on a color-saturated background, which I have not seen before and really enjoyed. The story is a parable about controlling your impulses, and appreciating when you have enough without always wanting more.
Overall, it is pretty cute, and would be a helpful option when discussing moderation and mindfulness to children.
Also - there is a page at the back for the reader to draw their own want monster, which is a great interactive feature.
**eARC Netgalley**
The illustrations are done on a color-saturated background, which I have not seen before and really enjoyed. The story is a parable about controlling your impulses, and appreciating when you have enough without always wanting more.
Overall, it is pretty cute, and would be a helpful option when discussing moderation and mindfulness to children.
Also - there is a page at the back for the reader to draw their own want monster, which is a great interactive feature.
**eARC Netgalley**
May 18, 2017
Fantastic book! I loved how this book identified a "want monster" as a separate, but lovable part of a person. Identifying it as such avoids the connotation of, you're bad because you always want too much ice cream or want to play video games all the time. Rather, it gives the reader or children the option to look at things from another perspective, such as, this part of me wants to do something excessively, and that's OK because that piece of me isn't all of me; I can recognize that and move on, and eventually I won't even be bothered. Reading this book with my 6 and 9 year old was really perfect timing.
Disclaimer - I won a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer - I won a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2017
The little boy in this story has a "Want Monster" named Oskar, who, in the beginning, is "ginormous" and out of control. Oskar makes the boy overeat, play videogames until his thumbs ache, and seek out attention - even when it's not in his best interests. While some of Oskar's wanting is beneficial, the boy knows that he needs to find some way to shrink Oskar's desires down into something more reasonable. He gets some good advice from a caterpillar, and learns how to stand up to Oskar and resist immediate gratification. A cute story that offers some solutions for people (kids and adults) who have trouble dealing with their own desires.
January 8, 2017
Cute picture book - which will be a great resource for parents and counselor to read and talk with children about controlling and getting along with their "want monster". Kids' funny bone will be tickled while learning important strategies to keep balance in all they do, not letting wants take over.
March 20, 2017
This was a wonderful book! I think every parent should read this book with their little ones and spend time discussing the theme and message. Well done, Mr. Manchego! I can't wait to see what other books this author creates!
April 27, 2021
I found this book to be very quiet and funny and engaging. I would definitely recommend parents and caregivers read this book about wanting too much with their kids. Probably a good book for me as well when I find myself eating a whole bag of marshmallows.
June 4, 2017
The illustrations are gorgeous. I liked the message of taming the want monsters.
August 25, 2017
What a wonderful book for helping a child that is a little "I want it!" Acknowledges that wanting things isn't always a bad thing, but gives a strategy that helps keep the "want monster" at bay.
September 11, 2019
Fantastic picture book about kids and what they want to do! I love that it taught them how to figure out their wants without making them feel bad for having them. Great work!!
December 5, 2019
Better for a child who is old enough to think rationally about their emotions and cause and effect.
October 20, 2021
Chciejski potwór trafił do mojego słownika jako bardzo przydatna kategoria ;)
February 20, 2017
Beautiful book with a powerful message. The gentle colours of the illustrations bring the story to life in a playful and uplifting way that mirrors the lighthearted voice of the narrator. Loved it.
November 29, 2016
**This book was reviewed via Netgalley**
Manchego’s The Want Monsters is a neat little picture book designed to help teach kids how to manage their wants that threaten to go out of hand. Our narrator is a young boy that has a 'ginormous’ want monster named Oskar, who makes him want to eat too much junk food, play videogames too much, and be the centre of attention. One day, a wee caterpillar points out that, to get along with Oskar without being overwhelmed by him, the key was to just let Oskar be Oskar. Over time, Oskar went from being a huge want monster to a tiny one.
I read this book with my cubs, who really liked it and the book prompted some thoughtful discussion. Such feelings can be so overwhelming for young kids, and sometimes resisting can cause extreme anxiety. The Want Monsters points out that our own personal want monsters do serve useful functions, pushing one to excel, or to be compassionate or empathic. The problem is when it gets out of control. It teaches kids that *they* are not their want monster. Having wants is not bad, so long as one doesn't overindulge. Acknowledge the excessive want rather than denying it's right to exist, then go about your day without giving in. Tantrums (I see as anxiety) will eventually pass. Great lessons presented well!
Manchego’s The Want Monsters is a neat little picture book designed to help teach kids how to manage their wants that threaten to go out of hand. Our narrator is a young boy that has a 'ginormous’ want monster named Oskar, who makes him want to eat too much junk food, play videogames too much, and be the centre of attention. One day, a wee caterpillar points out that, to get along with Oskar without being overwhelmed by him, the key was to just let Oskar be Oskar. Over time, Oskar went from being a huge want monster to a tiny one.
I read this book with my cubs, who really liked it and the book prompted some thoughtful discussion. Such feelings can be so overwhelming for young kids, and sometimes resisting can cause extreme anxiety. The Want Monsters points out that our own personal want monsters do serve useful functions, pushing one to excel, or to be compassionate or empathic. The problem is when it gets out of control. It teaches kids that *they* are not their want monster. Having wants is not bad, so long as one doesn't overindulge. Acknowledge the excessive want rather than denying it's right to exist, then go about your day without giving in. Tantrums (I see as anxiety) will eventually pass. Great lessons presented well!
August 28, 2016
The narrator of this story has a problem. His "want monster" is taking over his life. He recognized that his want monster, named Oscar, is good to have in some respects, but you can not let him/her take over your life. It helps when you want to do well, or succeed or something, but you need to have it under control when it comes to wanting things like games, food, something someone else has. Using self-control, the huge want monster becomes small and manageable. A great lesson for children and adults alike. This is a good book to use when children are becoming greedy and wanting everything all the time. The illustrations are very childlike, as if the narrator drew them, but they are extremely colourful and eye-catching. I think this would be a great book for family libraries to use with their children when the want monster rears his head.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2016
In the book the little boy has a gigantic Want Monster names Oskar. Oskar wants to eat all of the sweets, to get all of the attention, and to be famous. But the boy knows that when he gives into Oskar's wants, things don't turn out so well. This is a book about overcoming the Id-like wants. The boy learns how not to give into Oskar, and eventually he becomes a tiny Want Monster, Oskarcito.
It's a great metaphor for kids who are getting older and struggling to control their impulses. If it's not over their heads, this book could be humorous and helpful. Perfect for ages 5-9. It's self-help disguised as fiction, which is one of my favorite types of children's books.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/11/kid...
It's a great metaphor for kids who are getting older and struggling to control their impulses. If it's not over their heads, this book could be humorous and helpful. Perfect for ages 5-9. It's self-help disguised as fiction, which is one of my favorite types of children's books.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/11/kid...
December 29, 2016
"If your want monster gets too big, you'll be in big trouble."
A story about a boy who learns how to control Oskar, his want monster, until it's a lot easier to delay gratification. "Sometimes the things we want aren't good for us."
A story about a boy who learns how to control Oskar, his want monster, until it's a lot easier to delay gratification. "Sometimes the things we want aren't good for us."
September 2, 2016
I found this book while interesting, quite bizarre. I'm not sure that it will entice kids to read it.
February 4, 2017
Manchego is a rising star in children's literature! This book, with its combination of child-friendly drawings and inspirational text, is a must read for adults and children alike.
March 25, 2017
This book is super cute and I really enjoyed reading it. The story is silly and fun and a monster is a great manifestation of those wants that may not be so good for us all the time.
The illustrations are simple and charmingly childish. My favorite part about the pictures though are the colorful background textures made with some dry medium, possibly colored pencil, which extend beyond the figures at the bottom and cover the whole of each page.
*I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations are simple and charmingly childish. My favorite part about the pictures though are the colorful background textures made with some dry medium, possibly colored pencil, which extend beyond the figures at the bottom and cover the whole of each page.
*I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2017
I love this little book. What a great story
April 12, 2017
Such a cute children's book about the dangers of excess and how too much wanting can be a very bad thing. Beautiful illustrations with a great message.
May 2, 2017
A nice little morality tale about a kid trying to control his "want monster." Decently written. It's not something that my 6 year old will request to be read over and over, but good for a story time at a library or class room.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews