What do you think?
Rate this book
Even Monsters...
An exciting new picture book-perfect for the little monster in your life!
Everybody knows monsters can be...well, MONSTERS. But did you know sometimes even monsters get scared? They can be sad, they can be kind, they can miss their mommies. Sometimes, they're just plain silly. And even monsters need to brush their teeth!
A funny and family-friendly picture book by innovative author/illustrator A. J. Smith, who combines traditional storytelling with exciting interactive digital components.
Everybody knows monsters can be...well, MONSTERS. But did you know sometimes even monsters get scared? They can be sad, they can be kind, they can miss their mommies. Sometimes, they're just plain silly. And even monsters need to brush their teeth!
A funny and family-friendly picture book by innovative author/illustrator A. J. Smith, who combines traditional storytelling with exciting interactive digital components.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
About the author
A.J. Smith
3 books1 followerAJ Smith specializes in silly stories and funny drawings for children (and immature adults). His next book, Tea Time For Dinosaurs hits bookstores in August, 2022.
AJ can often be working from his “portable popup studio” at a rotating list of local coffee shops a bit north of Boston. — where he lives with his family and a few furry friends.
When not scribbling and doodling, he enjoys books, movies, hockey, comedy, travel, hiking, and almost anything art-related.
AJ can often be working from his “portable popup studio” at a rotating list of local coffee shops a bit north of Boston. — where he lives with his family and a few furry friends.
When not scribbling and doodling, he enjoys books, movies, hockey, comedy, travel, hiking, and almost anything art-related.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 6, 2014
Funny and sweet with fantastic illustrations.
September 16, 2014
"Everybody knows monsters GROWL! But did you know...even growling monsters have to finish their dinner."
Reminiscent of Jane Yolen & Mark Teague's How do Dinosaurs series, Even Monsters is a great pick for Halloween/Monster storytimes! The bright illustrations make this a not-so-scary read and kids will thoroughly enjoy snarling and roaring along with you.
Reminiscent of Jane Yolen & Mark Teague's How do Dinosaurs series, Even Monsters is a great pick for Halloween/Monster storytimes! The bright illustrations make this a not-so-scary read and kids will thoroughly enjoy snarling and roaring along with you.
October 23, 2014
This book 'had' my five-year-old son at "underwear". It wasn't at all hard for him to see himself in the monsters. He liked that sometimes monsters are scared of the dark -- not that he is, of course; he just LIKES to have the light left on.
The illustrations for the straightforward and humorous text are absolutely perfect.
The illustrations for the straightforward and humorous text are absolutely perfect.
April 10, 2014
My Son really enjoyed this book particularly the illustrations. The scared of the dark part at the end made for a good talking point. My Son is scared of the dark and I think he thought it quite funny that monster do too. Enjoyable book Thankyou
April 21, 2014
Even Monsters are like kids in some essential ways--brushing their teeth, needing goodnight kisses, etc. Fun book with kid-friendly illustrations. Should illicit lots of giggles at story times and inspire young illustrators to draw their own monster pictures.
January 15, 2014
Love It! The illustrations just make it better.
April 10, 2014
Won this book off of Goodreads giveaway and it is AMAZING! So cute!!!!
May 30, 2014
Super cute. I like it.
July 8, 2014
Everyone knows that monsters make a lot of noise. But do you know what else monsters do? Read this colorfully illustrated humorous picture book to find out.
January 1, 2015
monsters, self-care, independence
December 10, 2017
Simple story and great art that will delight beginning readers.
February 21, 2021
My school library book proved to be a bit of a struggle for me, so mum made me read this one instead. It was a lot easier and a cute story.
Want to read
November 30, 2017LiIi
April 13, 2014
Such a sweet book to share with the little monster... I mean... the child in your life!
Every child at one point or another questions why they have to eat all of their vegetables at dinner before they can have dessert, and why they have to brush their teeth before bed. Most kids also develop a fear or two - of the dark, monsters under the bed, going to school alone... and this adorable book shares with them that they're not the only ones that go through these things everyday; and that it is okay to have these feelings, and that they should be able to share these feelings.
These little monsters are perfectly illustrated - not overly scary, but a fun kind of scary that kiddos will enjoy seeing. And these little monsters are just like them too! Even though they look scary and may growl sometimes, they have to do things that they don't like to do too in order to be better monsters! They still have to take the bus to school, eat all of their dinner, and brush their teeth before bed too.
And, just like the monsters in the book, its okay to be scared sometimes, and with a little help, the people who love them will be there to help build their confidence and ease their fears.
This fun and interactive book will help a child know that they're not alone in their little world - it will also ease a child's anxiety of the things that they fear the most. This book may also be a great way to open a line of communication with your toddler, which can be difficult when they are still learning how to find and use their words. I highly recommend this book for anytime of the day or night!
Every child at one point or another questions why they have to eat all of their vegetables at dinner before they can have dessert, and why they have to brush their teeth before bed. Most kids also develop a fear or two - of the dark, monsters under the bed, going to school alone... and this adorable book shares with them that they're not the only ones that go through these things everyday; and that it is okay to have these feelings, and that they should be able to share these feelings.
These little monsters are perfectly illustrated - not overly scary, but a fun kind of scary that kiddos will enjoy seeing. And these little monsters are just like them too! Even though they look scary and may growl sometimes, they have to do things that they don't like to do too in order to be better monsters! They still have to take the bus to school, eat all of their dinner, and brush their teeth before bed too.
And, just like the monsters in the book, its okay to be scared sometimes, and with a little help, the people who love them will be there to help build their confidence and ease their fears.
This fun and interactive book will help a child know that they're not alone in their little world - it will also ease a child's anxiety of the things that they fear the most. This book may also be a great way to open a line of communication with your toddler, which can be difficult when they are still learning how to find and use their words. I highly recommend this book for anytime of the day or night!
May 21, 2014
Poetic and sweet children's book.
Even monsters are afraid of dark. They have to eat vegetables and they even have to brush their teeth. And they sure miss their mommies. Kids are going to love this no-so-scary monster.
It's a picture book, so kids will love to view the pictures of a monster, who behave just like them. Parents can sit with the kids and read them. Beautifully illustrated with fun and entertaining narration.
Recommended..for kids, of course!
Note: 1 star is cut of, because the formatting in Kindle edition is pretty bad. But, I am sure it will good in a hard copy.
Even monsters are afraid of dark. They have to eat vegetables and they even have to brush their teeth. And they sure miss their mommies. Kids are going to love this no-so-scary monster.
It's a picture book, so kids will love to view the pictures of a monster, who behave just like them. Parents can sit with the kids and read them. Beautifully illustrated with fun and entertaining narration.
Recommended..for kids, of course!
Note: 1 star is cut of, because the formatting in Kindle edition is pretty bad. But, I am sure it will good in a hard copy.
April 13, 2014
I received this book as a First Read giveaway.
This is a very short but very enjoyable book. My 4 year old granddaughter enjoyed it immensely. It resonated with her due to the author's incorporation of current kid activities (soccer, video games) and the traditional challenges of young children. This book will be reread many times!
This is a very short but very enjoyable book. My 4 year old granddaughter enjoyed it immensely. It resonated with her due to the author's incorporation of current kid activities (soccer, video games) and the traditional challenges of young children. This book will be reread many times!
November 12, 2013
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC of this book. A sweet story about how monsters need thing and do things just like other kids. The monsters play video games, brush their teeth and even need a goodnight kiss. I great book to add to any school library.
November 29, 2017
I love the illustrations.
April 18, 2014
Even Monsters by A.J. Smith is a picturebook all about monsters that is currently scheduled for release on April 04 2014. Did you know that while monsters roar, growl, and moan they also have to eat, get ready for bed, and are sometimes a little afraid of the dark? Even the scariest monster out there is not that different from anyone looking at or reading Even Monsters.
Even Monsters sets out to capture the attention of the monster loving youngsters in your house. Monsters might growl and make scary noises, like my son when he gets out of bed in the morning, but they also need to brush their teeth, refrain from playing from their food, and go to bed. Monsters just might also be scared of the dark, or miss their moms, just like everyone else. I thought the book did a nice job of connecting the monsters that some kids love, some fear, and some are obsessed with to their own actions. This makes monsters less scary, more silly, and our children's fears a little less powerful. My only problem with the book was some page formatting difficulties that my reading a little bit challenging, but I am confident that the issues have been resolved and they were likely because of the e-galley format that I requested and received via NetGalley.
I would recommend Even Monsters to parents that have a monster fan in their house that needs a little help with fear of the dark or getting their daily tasks done. I think young readers with a little fear of monsters might also get something out of the book since it makes the monsters a little more human, and a lot less threatening, to active imaginations.
Even Monsters sets out to capture the attention of the monster loving youngsters in your house. Monsters might growl and make scary noises, like my son when he gets out of bed in the morning, but they also need to brush their teeth, refrain from playing from their food, and go to bed. Monsters just might also be scared of the dark, or miss their moms, just like everyone else. I thought the book did a nice job of connecting the monsters that some kids love, some fear, and some are obsessed with to their own actions. This makes monsters less scary, more silly, and our children's fears a little less powerful. My only problem with the book was some page formatting difficulties that my reading a little bit challenging, but I am confident that the issues have been resolved and they were likely because of the e-galley format that I requested and received via NetGalley.
I would recommend Even Monsters to parents that have a monster fan in their house that needs a little help with fear of the dark or getting their daily tasks done. I think young readers with a little fear of monsters might also get something out of the book since it makes the monsters a little more human, and a lot less threatening, to active imaginations.
September 10, 2016
This is a really cute book. It shows kids that even monsters go to school, brush their teeth, and play soccer. Kids can identify with the monsters and their activities, because it's the same stuff that most kids do every day. Monsters play video games, play in tree houses, and ride the school bus. Kids also find out that monsters are even afraid of the dark, and sometimes need a reassuring kiss goodnight.
The book is 32 pages long with a short sentence for each spread, so it's quick to read. Because it's so quick, toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the story right alongside their older siblings, even if they don't do some of the activities described (like go to school).
The illustrations are just as much fun as the cover suggests. Kids will love the monsters and all their hairy, snarly, gooeyness.
My blog: Batch of Books
The book is 32 pages long with a short sentence for each spread, so it's quick to read. Because it's so quick, toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the story right alongside their older siblings, even if they don't do some of the activities described (like go to school).
The illustrations are just as much fun as the cover suggests. Kids will love the monsters and all their hairy, snarly, gooeyness.
My blog: Batch of Books
May 12, 2014
Title: Even Monsters
Author: A J Smth
Illustrator: A J Smith
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Published: 4-1-2014
ISBN: 9781402286520
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Fiction
Tags: Fantasy
Sensual Level: N/A
Overall Rating: Great 4.0
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
Have you ever wondered if life would be easier if you could only be a monster? Well, then here is a book that lets you know that even monsters have chores and fears. They still need to go to school and can get into trouble for doing something wrong. Check out "Even Monsters" and you will find bright, vibrant illustrations to see the life a monster lives. See if it is any better or any worse than the life you live.
A wonderful story for young readers. Those between the ages of 5 and 7 in my family had a fun time reading the book and laughing together.
Author: A J Smth
Illustrator: A J Smith
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Published: 4-1-2014
ISBN: 9781402286520
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Fiction
Tags: Fantasy
Sensual Level: N/A
Overall Rating: Great 4.0
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
Have you ever wondered if life would be easier if you could only be a monster? Well, then here is a book that lets you know that even monsters have chores and fears. They still need to go to school and can get into trouble for doing something wrong. Check out "Even Monsters" and you will find bright, vibrant illustrations to see the life a monster lives. See if it is any better or any worse than the life you live.
A wonderful story for young readers. Those between the ages of 5 and 7 in my family had a fun time reading the book and laughing together.
January 22, 2017
Great for text-to-self comparisons. I used this for K and 1 classes. For K, students can use manipulatives (printed/laminated cooties) to show numbers with objects which is a K Common Core standard. I also used it to elicit step-by-step instructions from children. Students are learning to write "how-to" in the classroom. I prepared each step of the drawing process ahead of the time on the board. Students had to observe what was added each step to make a complete monster. Students told me what to write to describe each step. Students corrected me when I prompted them to check my beginning uppercase letter and end punctuation. Students followed along drawing their own monsters on their clipboards on the rug. Kids loved this book and it was useful for connecting with the how-to writing unit in the classroom.
December 12, 2014
Adorable and clever picture book that uses a monster as the protagonist who follows a day similar to a boy or girl in preschool or beginning years of school. The vibrant illustrations of monsters are hilarious and sometimes even a bit scary. But the young reader learns that even monsters brush their teeth, put on clean underwear, and finish their breakfast. Monsters might grumble, but they love playing sports and video games. Just like boys and girls they must go to school and need to be tucked in at night!
Children will enjoy hearing this book read over and over or just enjoy thumbing through the pictures which will reveal a new message every time you look. Highly recommended for parents and preschool teachers to use as a read aloud.
Children will enjoy hearing this book read over and over or just enjoy thumbing through the pictures which will reveal a new message every time you look. Highly recommended for parents and preschool teachers to use as a read aloud.
May 27, 2014
I was looking for excuse to read this book - my children are the way too big for this book, and there is no small kids around yet. But why not have fun and pick inside while nobody is checking on me?
I just love the book, the text and illustrations itself are so nice. Each page has so many visual details that can be looked at, discussed with child, be topic of conversation. This is one of the books, that can become kid's favorite story and after hearing it from parents so many times, kid can start to 'read' it herself/himself using pictures as a clues.
The book is staying on my bookshelf, facing the table, and each time I see this green monster, I cannot help by smile.
I just love the book, the text and illustrations itself are so nice. Each page has so many visual details that can be looked at, discussed with child, be topic of conversation. This is one of the books, that can become kid's favorite story and after hearing it from parents so many times, kid can start to 'read' it herself/himself using pictures as a clues.
The book is staying on my bookshelf, facing the table, and each time I see this green monster, I cannot help by smile.
August 11, 2016
I liked how it showed monsters doing regular kid activities. The illustrations are bright and colorful.
June 19, 2018
Great illustrations and nice attempts to "humanise" (so to speak) monsters for scared kiddies. This might've helped Jack in the era of his "monster spray go away!" Just good fun now.
7/10
7/10
October 29, 2018
Pictures are great and I understand and appreciate the intent, but the book itself is very forgettable. This has great potential but just didn't live up to it's fullest.
September 14, 2019
Really fun and detailed illustrations
May 27, 2020
pictures were darling, but trite.
June 10, 2024
This would be a great one for toddlers. Teaching children that even monsters listen to Mom and Dad and do what they're supposed to. Cute illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews