The Monster on the Bus

by Josh Lieb, Hannah Marks (Illustrator)

A spooky and hilarious spin on a classic children’s song, from the author of Chapter Two is Missing and the illustrator of The Panda Problem

It’s the first day of school, and for Cassius and Angelique, that means their first ride on the school bus. The school bus can be a little intimidating for first-time riders! Will you have a friend to sit next to? Will the driver be nice?…and in the case of this bus ride, will that monster eat your backpack?

As the wheels go round and round, the bus gets more and more off course. Is that…a T. Rex sitting in the back? And doesn’t that look like a wizard sitting in the front? Cassius and Angelique must outsmart a wild cast of characters if they want to make it to school on time!

Genres: Picture Books, School, Monsters, Childrens, Juvenile, Buses, Humor

48 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2022

About the author

Josh Lieb is an Emmy-winning Executive Producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and has worked on such shows as The Simpsons and NewsRadio.

I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President is his first novel. He lives in New York with his wife and family.

Reviews

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is too chaotic for my tastes, and it's very inconsistent. It begins by introducing two children, Cassius and Angelique, but they fade into the background and are mostly irrelevant. This early attempt at establishing character sets inaccurate expectations, since nothing about the book focuses on the children or their friendship as they experience a monster on the bus.

Chaos ensues as a monster swallows the bus driver and various creatures show up on the bus. Things quickly become more and more absurd, and some parts of the book are designed as alternate verses to "Wheels on the Bus," while others require regular reading aloud. Also, even with the parts you're probably supposed to sing, the meter doesn't always fit the tune.

There are so many different books related to "The Wheels on the Bus" that I wouldn't recommend this, unless someone is just desperate for any and every monster book they can get their hands on.

[Leah]

Umm.... what did I just read?

That is my final thought.

[Sarah BT]

Weird and quirky but fans of oddball books will love it.

[Sadie Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun idea that had a lot of promise but it ends up being too scattered to be truly engaging. Some young readers will find it hilarious, though. I appreciate its disability rep: There is a child who uses crutches due to a limb difference. It's always refreshing to see disability rep go beyond token wheelchairs or crutches.

[curiouskat_books · Rating 2 out of 5]

enjoyed the images, however i felt the story was repetitive without having a good flow

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age: 4 years+
Things That Go: Bus

Angelique loves riding the bus to school because anything can happen on the bus. Soon enough, a monster eats the bus driver, an astronaut sends them into outer space, and a wizard changes the kids into aliens. While it was fun, the kids don't want to be late for school so in a show of authority, they demand that each character undo their wrongs and bring them back home safely.

An exciting read from front to back. The illustrations are detailed and give clues for the next nemesis, making this perfect for kids who love search-and-find books like Where's Waldo.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I will remember this book. Yes, chaos ensues however if you are paying attention properly you can discern patterns. Stories may diverge and rhythms alter, just like in life. Children love it when stories do this. They often tell stories in this fashion. It's the little details that are so fun in this book.

[Cassie Veselovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much can happen on your way to school, especially if you're riding a bus! Partially to the tune of "wheels on the bus", Josh Lieb takes us on a romp with monsters, a mad scientist, an astronaut and more! Hannah Marks' illustrations perfectly compliment the book and give the kids many wonderful, creative things to look at and enjoy! Kids on a bus for the win! (and Monsters too)

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Shim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yo this book is for kids

[Kattykat · Rating 2 out of 5]

good illustrations but the story was lacking

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Increasingly crazy things happen on the bus, all to the tune of Wheels On The Bus.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected, goofy take on the Wheels on the Bus. It's got some creative illustrations with lots of tidbits for the kids to look for.

[Ms. Madalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not really my vibe.