The Sad, Sad Monster/ El Triste Triste Monstruo (Xist Kids Bilingual Spanish English)

by Dolores Costello

Bilingual Edition: The Sad, Sad Monster Monster is Sad. So Sad. A sad monster is sad at school. He is sad because he doesn't have any friends. Is there someone who can make him happy? The Sad, Sad Monster is a cute book for monster-loving toddlers through beginning readers. Simple sentences make this a perfect first reader.

In this Xist Kids English Spanish Bilingual Edition, the original English text is paired with the Spanish translation on each page.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It finished up too soon I would say.
I love the illustrations and the simple expressions. An isolated child at school. Feeling sad, feeling left out and not fitting in with the other kids until one girl volunteers to make friends. But it ended too soon. It feels incomplete. Majority of the book is about the sad part.

[Wendi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I don't think outside the box. I was browsing around on Netgalley, not that my TBR isn't big enough as it is, and it dawned on me that there are picture books I can review. My daughter is two years old and loves books, and this is a perfect opportunity to read new books without a trip to the bookstore or library.

So what did we think? I liked this short, simple story about a monster who attends human elementary school, and is shunned by the other kids. A little girl decides she wants to play with Monster, and all is good! It had a nice message about inclusion.

My daughter seemed not as interested, but monsters aren't really her cup of tea at the moment. She did like the pictures of girl and monster swinging and playing, however.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute kids story. Encourages kids to look past appearances like the "monster" who was ugly and scary, into the soul where your true self lies, where the monster is kind and devoted.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful children's story teaches some deep lessons in an easy to understand manner, as it delves into the fallacy of appearance, environmental factors' influence on oneself, etc.

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

A simplistic, but fun book about a little monster who just wants to be friends with people but everyone is avoiding him. :(

I do wonder why a monster is at an all-human school. That was the thing that stood out the most for me, sorry, I know I probably should have been more concerned about the poor little fella and his friendless life, but I just couldn't stop wondering about why he is there, are there any other monsters in the world? Are there monster schools? Are there people at monster schools as well?

Sorry, let's get back to the book. I knew from quite early what would happen, and I was giggling when it turned out I was right.

I really liked the girl, I hope that she won't be the only one who sees that the monster is actually quite nice and friendly.

The ending? I wish it would have been a bit more than what it was now. Maybe show them playing together? Maybe see someone else also looking at them having a good time (hint to a new friend).

The art was so-so. A bit simplistic, but it did fit with the book/story.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little picture book that teaches children to value what's on the inside of a person (or fuzzy, green monster). The story tells us that sometimes it takes courage to make the first move towards making a new friend that everyone else might shun and that we might be missing out on friendships just because someone is different from us. It teaches the values of friendship and kindness and is perfect for children who are just getting ready to start school and will be socializing within inclusive and multicultural environments. The illustrations are cute and perfect for the simplicity of the story.

Received as an ARC from Netgalley.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sad, Sad Monster is a picturebook by Delores Costella. A sad monster is sad at school. He is sad because he doesn’t have any friends. Is there someone who can make him happy?

The Sad, Sad Monster is a a book about friendship. The monster is sad because no one wants to be his friend, but he fails to see one young girl that never seems to be far away. Before long the pair become friends, sharing some of their favorite things and having fun together. The story is simple, with short sentences and basic vocabulary which makes it a good choice for the earliest independent readers, and those starting on the journey there. The illustrations are sweet and cute, with hints to what might be coming next. Monster loving toddlers, and those that just want to read on their own, will enjoy the read.

[☘Tara Sheehan☘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the austerity of the artwork because it fit the simplicity of the story that had such a huge lesson to impart. I felt my heart break for the monster reading it and my young daughter was very upset at how he was being treated. Something about the art and the story combined just make you want to reach out and hug him. It’s just a cute little book about friendship.

I think it’d be particularly useful in the classroom to teach how important it is to be kind to others, to reach out and befriend someone.

[Marzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice story about being an outsider in a new setting, namely school in this book, but certainly applicable in any situation in which a child might feel new and not integrated into a group or community. The monster, who is the newbie, is fairly cute. A warm hearted little girl becomes friendly with it, alleviating the monster's loneliness. The story is appropriate for readers aged pre-school to early elementary. It may make children more sensitive to the plight of new children in their sphere.

[Magy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monster is sad at school. Even though he is a good monster, no one plays with him. He's lonely. But one day, Sarah asks to eat lunch with Monster and they become friends. With his new friend, Monster isn't lonely anymore.

The Sad, Sad Monster is a simple story about kindness and friendship. Its simplicity and illustrations will appeal to pre-readers and beginning readers. Kids will like it, but as an adult I'm left wanting a bit more from the book.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

[Dominique Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sad Sad Monster” by Dolores Costello is a picture book that explores emotional literacy for young children. The narrative centers on a gentle monster who feels overwhelmed by sadness and does not initially know how to manage or express those emotions.

The book provides an accessible framework for early childhood readers to understand that sadness is a natural emotion and that coping strategies, such as verbal communication and supportive relationships, contribute to emotional regulation and resilience.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a kind but lonely monster who doesn't have any friends at school. Sarah's not afraid of Monster though. She's ready to be his playmate and friend, and he's not sad or lonely anymore.

The illustrations are simple, but they are appealing and well done. I think this is a good way to address differences with a young child and bring up inclusion and kindness toward everyone .

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a very simple and clear message about how you can help stop others from being sad and lonely - with some pictures based in the school setting, hopefully this message will allow children to relate to making friends at school and not leaving their peers out. I like that the pictures are simple and fairly bold, and the text is large, in short sentences; this book as well as being good to read to younger children, has large enough font for new readers to attempt to read too.

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monster is sad and lonely because no one wants to play with him or be his friend. Then, one day, a little girl happens to sit with him a lunch. This is a sweet story about making friends and not judging people based on appearance.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute book that shows how important it is to be kind to everyone no matter what they look like or who they are. While I feel like it's important for kids to learn that, anymore, it seems like everyone could use a refresher course. It's a book for little kids, but everyone should take the time to read it and think about the message it is sending.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you.

This children's story teaches some deep lessons in an easy to understand manner, encouraging kids to look past appearances like the "monster" who was ugly and scary, into your true self lies, where an individual is usually kind and devoted.

[Hayley Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read story about a lonely monster who just wanted a friend and then one day Sarah sat next to him and he finally found a friend to play with. A good story which could be used with a class to discuss feelings, about being inclusive of everyone and not leaving others out because they are different, being friendly to everyone.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade Range: K-3rd grade
Review: I think this is a good book & super cute! This has a little monster expressing his feelings, he's sad because he has no friends. I think that kids this age would possibly relate to the book if they are struggling with making friends. Overall it's super cute & I really liked it.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww this is a lovely little story, it is ideal for toddlers through to beginning readers about making friends, and it will be ideal for any little ones that love monsters!! It has nice, clear images and simple sentences to make this book ideal for first readers.

[Stacey M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute book. This would be a great book for elementary school teachers to read to young children. The illistrations are well done and it has a great message. I recieved a copy of this book on Book Galley to review.

[Angela Knapchuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for young children

Cute pics and simple enough for your beginning reader to read to you! Simple and cute... Very short tho. Maybe she'll write a series around this cute monster? I'd but them!

[jeffrey m moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even my 3 year old daughter thought that this book was way too lame.


I could barely get my 3 & 6 to let me finish the whole thing to the end. The only good part was they tried to come up with better stories.

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read

I like the book because it is very short sentences and its easy to read. Also I like that the message for the kids about not being afraid and be friends with somebody that you supposed to be afraid is a good message to little kids.

[Jules · Rating 2 out of 5]

Behold, my 15th book of the pandemic. This book took about a minute to read, so not one I am likely to use for my TK class. The overall message is one of inclusion and acceptance. Is a monster just a monster simply because he is treated as one?

[Brittney Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books is cute with a meaningful message about inclusion and understanding of one's character, rather than appearance. I just think the monster illustration reminds me a bit too much of an apricot kernel. The art could be a bit better! But overall a great book for kids.

[Sara Weather · Rating 3 out of 5]

(review to come)

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple book on making friends and not being alone. I like the look of the monster, it’s not scary, and a bit fluffy. Overall, not too bad.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but not enough of a story...even for a picture book!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a little girl who befriends a lonely monster. Illustrations were cute1

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightfully cute little book with a monster that looks more like a kiwi fruit. Ends abruptly.