The Reading Nook – Leonardo the Terrible Monster
Leonardo the Terrible Monster can be found in the Duplin County library system. If your local branch doesn’t have it, give them a few days and they can usually locate it for you!
Hello, and welcome back to “The Reading Nook” where the focus is using great stories to create special moments between caregivers and the young children they love.
What happens when you mix a scaredy-cat kid with a monster who feels like a failure? You get a few good laughs and a long-lasting friendship. Mo Willems never fails to entertain children with his stories, and Leonardo the Terrible Monster is one of his best. So, find the book, grab a kid, and get ready to have some fun!
BEFORE YOU READ: Have your child notice Leonardo’s face on the cover of the book. From the part of his face we see, ask how you think Leonardo feels. Why do they think that? Talk with your child a little about the word “terrible” and what it means. Before reading the book, we may think that Leonardo is a terrible monster because he’s mean or grouchy or just bad. But, after reading, your child may understand that Leonardo isn’t really a terrible monster. Instead, he is terrible at BEING a monster. But maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s read the book!
WHILE YOU READ: Notice the other monsters in the beginning of the story. Count to see how many of Tony’s teeth we can see. Talk about what makes Hector look “just plain weird.” Predict what Sam will say when Leonardo asks him why he’s crying and what Leonardo’s idea was after Sam explains himself. Ask your child if they have a favorite part of the story. Read it again if they’d like.
AFTER YOU READ:
Now … talk again about the word “terrible” and how your child may look differently at that description of Leonardo at the end of the story than they did when just looking at the front cover. Think of other monsters you know and compare those with Leonardo.
Look at the feelings of Leonardo and Sam in the story at different parts. Have your child go back and retell the story and as they do that, discuss the feelings of disappointment, fear, sadness, anger, love, etc.
Make a list with your child of some of the characteristics of a good friend. Have them draw pictures of some of their friends.
Draw Leonardo! You can have your child try to draw him by looking at the images in the book, or better yet, here’s a video link with a step-by-step tutorial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDgBoRhj9KU
If your child enjoyed this book by Mo Willems, there are so many others that they’ll probably love, too. He writes several series … the Elephant and Piggie series and the Pigeon series, to name a couple. And he has plenty of stand alone books as well. His books are always a hit with the little ones!
Happy reading, and, from Emilie Buchwald, always remember, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” See you next week with another great book!
