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Mostly Monsterly
Bernadette might seem like an ordinary monster, but sometimes she likes to do some very unmonsterlike things, like pick flowers. And pet kittens. And bake . When the time comes for Bernadette to go to Monster Academy, she's just a teensy bit nervous. Her classmates just don't understand her. They'd rather uproot trees than sing friendship songs. And they prefer fried snail goo to Bernadette's homemade cupcakes with sprinkles. Can Bernadette find a way to make friends at school and still be herself?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
9 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Tammi Sauer
47 books135 followersTammi Sauer is the author of Cowboy Camp (Sterling, 2005), Chicken Dance (Sterling, 2009), Mostly Monsterly (Paula Wiseman/S&S, 2010), the forthcoming Princess-in-Training (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), and something that's currently Top Secret.
Tammi and her family live in Oklahoma with one dog, two geckos, and a tank full of random fish.
Tammi and her family live in Oklahoma with one dog, two geckos, and a tank full of random fish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
January 10, 2015
Contrary to the title and asserted premise, Bernadette actually seems pretty minimally monsterly to me.
This was cute, but I'm not sure what the point was -- the author seemed to be going for a twist (but not really, because the twist has also been done before, better) on the hoary old "it's ok to be yourself" kiddie book theme. But, Bernadette is the one who goes off to Monster Academy, despite preferring hugs and cupcakes to growling and smashing, and she's the one trying to change the other monsters, who seem pretty happy as they are. No one is preventing her from baking and hugging kittens as she likes to do. New acquaintances declining to give you hugs is not really discriminatory, Bernadette. Maybe you should go home to that kitten you appear to have abandoned.
This was cute, but I'm not sure what the point was -- the author seemed to be going for a twist (but not really, because the twist has also been done before, better) on the hoary old "it's ok to be yourself" kiddie book theme. But, Bernadette is the one who goes off to Monster Academy, despite preferring hugs and cupcakes to growling and smashing, and she's the one trying to change the other monsters, who seem pretty happy as they are. No one is preventing her from baking and hugging kittens as she likes to do. New acquaintances declining to give you hugs is not really discriminatory, Bernadette. Maybe you should go home to that kitten you appear to have abandoned.
November 1, 2010
After a certain point the sheer number of princess and fairy books a children's librarian has to handle begins to feel oppressive. The crushing weight of all that pink and all that glitter and all those bows . . . you begin to feel great waves of pity for those little girls who AREN'T into all those things. The kinds of little girls you might find in books like Miss Brooks Loves Books And I Don't. Where are the books for the little girl monsters of the world? Enter Mostly Monsterly a book that contains no princesses. No fairies. No glitter or bows or pink (excepting the occasional pig-tailed monster). That said, I'd bet your bottom dollar that you could hand this book to a princess-obsessed little girl OR a little boy who obsesses over single subject picture books, and still manage to capture their attention and win their hearts. It's cute, this book, but never makes even the slightest attempts to cloy.
Look, no one's saying that Bernadette is not a monster. She looks the part (two toes, creepy necklace, etc.) and does the requisite amount of lurching, growling, and mayhem. However, Bernadette harbors what you might call a "deep... dark... secret." She has a penchant for sweetness. Whether it's petting kittens or baking muffins, she is only "mostly" monsterly. So when Bernadette starts school with the other monsters you might think she'd try to reign in her cutesy qualities. Not so much. Her classmates, in fact, are horrified as one when they see her attempt a group hug or croon into a microphone. Her cupcakes don't go over any better, and Bernadette comes to realize that though she is only mostly monsterly, sometimes you have to meet others halfway. So she'll make everyone in the class cards... but they'll be gross. And she'll get a group hug.... Underneath a monster pile-on. Sometimes she's monsterly and sometimes she's sweet and both are perfectly a-okay when doled out carefully.
Some folks see this as a parable about learning to be true to yourself, and I suppose that's one way of looking at it. I'm more interested in the fact that this story is about how Bernadette doesn't continue to pig-headedly act against the will of the crowd, but rather she realizes that compromise is key. She could have just decided all other monsters were wrong and that she was right and continued to bake cupcakes with sprinkles. Instead, she finds a kind of middle ground with the other monsters. That monsterish instincts do not preclude other instincts as well. Note too the lack of any kind of an authority figure on the part of both the author and the illustrator. Sauer certainly doesn't make any mention of a teacher or professor holding Bernadette accountable for her individuality. Instead, Sauer (and Magoon by extension) make this a book about a kid interacting with her peers. It's about how you're perceived by a group, not how you're perceived by an authority figure. I think that's an important distinction to make.
Magoon's challenge, as I see it, was to find a way to make his little monster simultaneously monsterish and adorable. We don't know the extent to which Sauer and Magoon collaborated (generally speaking authors and illustrators of picture books tend to have very little contact with one another). So it is entirely conceivable that Sauer's description of Bernadette ("Pointy ears, fangs, claws, tail, two toes, huge eyes, creepy necklace") were all Mr. Magoon had to go on. After that point he had to create a girl child monster cute enough to make her softer instincts plausible but monsterish enough to convince you that you weren't dealing with a human child or anything. He does a pretty darn good job, I have to say. The eyelashes and Ramona-esque haircut help but really it's the facial and body expressions that set her apart from the pack. That coy glance she shoots a rope, knowing full well that she is just moments away from cutting it. Or the sideways excited glance she shoots her classmates when they first spot her homemade cards. There's a subtlety to this little monster, even in the midst of her school assigned havoc.
I would hand this to the girl that finds herself in a family of brothers only. I would hand it to the kid who finds his or herself to be the only sane person in a sea of disobeying twits. I'd give it to the kid who has monsterish instincts of their own, and the one who would never purposefully disobey but can at least give themselves permission to dream about it a little. Heck, I'd give it to everybody. It's not your usual "be yourself" moral, and I think that kids can seriously appreciate that. Worth inspecting closely.
Ages 4-8.
Look, no one's saying that Bernadette is not a monster. She looks the part (two toes, creepy necklace, etc.) and does the requisite amount of lurching, growling, and mayhem. However, Bernadette harbors what you might call a "deep... dark... secret." She has a penchant for sweetness. Whether it's petting kittens or baking muffins, she is only "mostly" monsterly. So when Bernadette starts school with the other monsters you might think she'd try to reign in her cutesy qualities. Not so much. Her classmates, in fact, are horrified as one when they see her attempt a group hug or croon into a microphone. Her cupcakes don't go over any better, and Bernadette comes to realize that though she is only mostly monsterly, sometimes you have to meet others halfway. So she'll make everyone in the class cards... but they'll be gross. And she'll get a group hug.... Underneath a monster pile-on. Sometimes she's monsterly and sometimes she's sweet and both are perfectly a-okay when doled out carefully.
Some folks see this as a parable about learning to be true to yourself, and I suppose that's one way of looking at it. I'm more interested in the fact that this story is about how Bernadette doesn't continue to pig-headedly act against the will of the crowd, but rather she realizes that compromise is key. She could have just decided all other monsters were wrong and that she was right and continued to bake cupcakes with sprinkles. Instead, she finds a kind of middle ground with the other monsters. That monsterish instincts do not preclude other instincts as well. Note too the lack of any kind of an authority figure on the part of both the author and the illustrator. Sauer certainly doesn't make any mention of a teacher or professor holding Bernadette accountable for her individuality. Instead, Sauer (and Magoon by extension) make this a book about a kid interacting with her peers. It's about how you're perceived by a group, not how you're perceived by an authority figure. I think that's an important distinction to make.
Magoon's challenge, as I see it, was to find a way to make his little monster simultaneously monsterish and adorable. We don't know the extent to which Sauer and Magoon collaborated (generally speaking authors and illustrators of picture books tend to have very little contact with one another). So it is entirely conceivable that Sauer's description of Bernadette ("Pointy ears, fangs, claws, tail, two toes, huge eyes, creepy necklace") were all Mr. Magoon had to go on. After that point he had to create a girl child monster cute enough to make her softer instincts plausible but monsterish enough to convince you that you weren't dealing with a human child or anything. He does a pretty darn good job, I have to say. The eyelashes and Ramona-esque haircut help but really it's the facial and body expressions that set her apart from the pack. That coy glance she shoots a rope, knowing full well that she is just moments away from cutting it. Or the sideways excited glance she shoots her classmates when they first spot her homemade cards. There's a subtlety to this little monster, even in the midst of her school assigned havoc.
I would hand this to the girl that finds herself in a family of brothers only. I would hand it to the kid who finds his or herself to be the only sane person in a sea of disobeying twits. I'd give it to the kid who has monsterish instincts of their own, and the one who would never purposefully disobey but can at least give themselves permission to dream about it a little. Heck, I'd give it to everybody. It's not your usual "be yourself" moral, and I think that kids can seriously appreciate that. Worth inspecting closely.
Ages 4-8.
July 1, 2017
Although the concept of a little monster who doesn’t quite fit in at Monster School because she’s a little too sweet is kind of cute, it really didn’t connect for me. I guess I don’t see the fun in a monster girl who likes stereotypical little girl things. The illustrations were cute, though.
Hardcover, borrowed from my public library.
Hardcover, borrowed from my public library.
December 29, 2023
Sometimes it seems very hard to be yourself, especially part of what makes you, YOU, doesn't seem to line up with what those around you are doing.
Being unique and comfortable with standing out is one of those things every child needs to learn. In this story this little monster who isn't always very monsterly, needs to find the courage to be their truest self. What follows is charming and sends the lesson home in a way which is gentle and funny. I really enjoyed this take on what it means to be you.
Being unique and comfortable with standing out is one of those things every child needs to learn. In this story this little monster who isn't always very monsterly, needs to find the courage to be their truest self. What follows is charming and sends the lesson home in a way which is gentle and funny. I really enjoyed this take on what it means to be you.
January 6, 2011
This book is quite adorable. It’s about Bernadette the monster who is mostly monsterly. She does most of the things monsters do, but she’s also a bit different and likes to do sweet things (such as those that well behaved girls would do) that monsters don’t do or admire in others. In this story Bernadette finds a way to fit in with her fellow young monsters while still being true to herself.
The illustrations are so much fun. They’re of monsters but they’re not going to scare the vast majority of children. Most are very amusing.
This is a really fun read aloud book.
And, according to the author’s bio section on the inside back cover, Bernadette’s secret cupcake recipe can be found at her website: http://www.tammisauer.com/. I looked and it’s the very easiest recipe to veganize but it could be done, and I’m sure for vegan kids, or those allergic to dairy or eggs, any white frosting with sprinkles cupcakes would be satisfactory.
The illustrations are so much fun. They’re of monsters but they’re not going to scare the vast majority of children. Most are very amusing.
This is a really fun read aloud book.
And, according to the author’s bio section on the inside back cover, Bernadette’s secret cupcake recipe can be found at her website: http://www.tammisauer.com/. I looked and it’s the very easiest recipe to veganize but it could be done, and I’m sure for vegan kids, or those allergic to dairy or eggs, any white frosting with sprinkles cupcakes would be satisfactory.
August 8, 2011
Some of Bernadette's interests are a little unusual compared to the other monsters at school. But she doesn't let that stop her from doing the things she likes.
July 31, 2017
The monster aspect is more on the gross and mayhem-causing side than scary. I liked how it's a story about being alike but also unique in one's own special way at the same time.
pb-read
February 21, 2018"For a monster
Bernadette was just
a little too sweet."
Bernadette was just
a little too sweet."
October 7, 2014
On the outside Bernadette is mostly monsterly. She has point ears, huge eyes, fangs and even a creepy necklace. She can lurch, growl and cause all kind of mayhem. But underneath the fangs and the fur, Bernadette has a deep, dark secret.
Sometimes, when she's all alone, Bernadette likes to pick flowers, and pet kittens, and do all kinds of things that aren't monsterly at all.
When Bernadette starts school all of her classmates act like total monsters but with a few secret weapons and some quick thinking Bernadette should be able to win them over and still get to be herself in Mostly Monsterly (2010) by Tammi Sauer and Scott Magoon (illustrator).
Sauer's writing is perfect for reading aloud with built in pauses for suspense and surprises and a lot of humor. Bernadette is a lovable monster who learns that sometimes being different is okay but some concessions might be needed to make friends. The message is never heavy handed or otherwise over the top.
Magoon's illustrations add the perfect blend of creepiness and cuteness to the story to create a book that will be perfect for any monster fans but not too scary for younger readers.
Excellent possibility for a storytime program about being yourself.
Possible Pairings: A Girl and Her Gator by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy, Bark, George by Jules Feiffer, Presenting . . . Talulah by Tori Spelling and Vanessa Brantley Newton
This book was received for review at Simon and Schuster's Fall 2010 preview in May.
Sometimes, when she's all alone, Bernadette likes to pick flowers, and pet kittens, and do all kinds of things that aren't monsterly at all.
When Bernadette starts school all of her classmates act like total monsters but with a few secret weapons and some quick thinking Bernadette should be able to win them over and still get to be herself in Mostly Monsterly (2010) by Tammi Sauer and Scott Magoon (illustrator).
Sauer's writing is perfect for reading aloud with built in pauses for suspense and surprises and a lot of humor. Bernadette is a lovable monster who learns that sometimes being different is okay but some concessions might be needed to make friends. The message is never heavy handed or otherwise over the top.
Magoon's illustrations add the perfect blend of creepiness and cuteness to the story to create a book that will be perfect for any monster fans but not too scary for younger readers.
Excellent possibility for a storytime program about being yourself.
Possible Pairings: A Girl and Her Gator by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy, Bark, George by Jules Feiffer, Presenting . . . Talulah by Tori Spelling and Vanessa Brantley Newton
This book was received for review at Simon and Schuster's Fall 2010 preview in May.
September 15, 2010
Meet little Bernadette. She's all monster on the outside: fanged, blue-gray, with claws and a tail, but on the inside she has alarming tendencies toward sweetness. And that just doesn't fly at monster school with the other kids. Agh! Seriously? Another picture book about accepting your differences? Yes. And this is the good one. You knew there had to be one. (I kid, I kid! There are others that are good. It's just that by the time you've read about the energetic sloth, and the tiny dinosaur, the unstealthy ninja, the bat, and the pink penguin, your eyes begin to cross and you begin to think anyone who is different should just be shot. And that includes me, so relax.) ANYWAY. Mostly Monsterly is as funny as can be, with sweet little Bernadette surreptitiously petting kittens, baking cupcakes, and freaking her gruesome classmates out when she suggests a group hug. Her reconciliation of her sweet side and her monster side is innovative and replicable. And I'd like to have sheets made of these cutely creepy illustrations - the cover is exactly the color of my living room.
April 28, 2011
Any book able to incorporate Elvis is alright in my book (no pun intended! ha!). On a serious note... Bernadette is a monster who is a little different from everyone. She was "mostly monsterly" with point ears, huge eyes, frangs, claws, a tail, two foes, and even a creepy necklage! Underneath her growling and lurchying, she was truly a loving monster with a deep dark secret: She was too sweet! While other monsters practiced lurching techniques, she wanted a group hug! She gave notes that were too nice and sang love songs (this is where Elvis comes in!) while everyone else was perfecting their creepy noises! So what happens when Bernadette is about to give up? You will just have to read and find out... :o)
Just kidding. She finds a way to stay on their level and reach her friends in a different way while still being herself.
The illustrations are not my favorite, but a little kid would enjoy the colors, lines, and content (who doesn't love monsters at that age?!), but the message is worth while.
Just kidding. She finds a way to stay on their level and reach her friends in a different way while still being herself.
The illustrations are not my favorite, but a little kid would enjoy the colors, lines, and content (who doesn't love monsters at that age?!), but the message is worth while.
July 12, 2011
Recently there was Yuck That's Not A Monster featuring a sweet fluffy pink monster. And now here's Bernadette who looks monsterly but is also in touch with her sweet side. So here's a bit of that along with another "learn to make your differences acceptable to a group" a la the recent Chamelia.But kids will be so busy enjoying the wild rumpus here that perhaps the message will mercifully be drowned out. And the art is a lot of fun.
March 26, 2016
I love Mostly Monsterly. I use it with my 4th graders each year. 4th grade is an age where kids spend so much time trying to be like everyone else, instead of just being themselves. We read the book and talk about how it is best to be who you are!
Tammi is pure genius in her story development! You need to read every one of her books!
Tammi is pure genius in her story development! You need to read every one of her books!
January 24, 2015
Cute book. It's along the same lines as "Woolbur." Bernadette is an adorable character who doesn't think she fits into the world she lives in. During the book, she finds ways to make friends while still being her sweet, not too monsterly self and gain acceptance and love for who she is.
June 15, 2016
This book is strange. The last word on each page left my stumbling - scrambling? - and thinking I could think of a better word to use there - why didn't the author?
But, that's on me.
My listener really liked this book.
But, that's on me.
My listener really liked this book.
August 9, 2019
What a cute story! Bernadette was a monster unlike most..she was nice, but of course she still had a little monster in her. Teaches us all young and old that its totally ok to be different! Different is good, different is unique.
July 26, 2010
Certainly one of the cutest monster books around. I can't wait to have a Mosnters & Cupcakes party this fall!
May 7, 2013
The "be yourself" storyline has been done many times before, but the presentation is charming!
August 8, 2016
This book is fun. You can be yourself and still be one of a group. Good message, good pictures.
November 8, 2017
This book is such a cute book! When I first saw Mostly Monsterly from the cover, I thought the book was mainly about a monster with all the "monster" traits, with some unique "human-like" traits. However, I was actually surprised how majority of our main character's action was different from what monsters normally do. She did things that the monsters thought was unique, and weird for any monster to do. It made me let out a small laugh in some times, when she wanted to do something that monsters were not fond of. It was nice how she used her unique creativity to mix with what monsters normally do near the end. I think I will be able to use this book in my future classroom, by creating a lesson of them creating a monster and describing how they are different because of some traits.
October 25, 2020
"On the outside Bernadette was mostly monsterly," but she also liked picking flowers, petting kittens, and baking. Nervous about not fitting in at school, Bernadette stood strong and let her uniqueness shine. The other monsters think Bernadette is strange, but her kindness and charm win them over. A charming book about being yourself and celebrating your individuality!
Teaching points: individuality, vocabulary, courage
Grade level: 1-3
Location: LES library
Related reads:
The Monster Test
Teaching points: individuality, vocabulary, courage
Grade level: 1-3
Location: LES library
Related reads:
The Monster Test
October 10, 2017
I gave this book 4 stars because for one, Tammi Sauer is a well established author and I like most of her books. The story is about a little monster girl who isn't as "Monsterly" as others think she should be. She finally figures out how to be true to herself and still fit in which is a good lesson for kids. Personally, I'm not a fan of monster characters so that's just my personal preference. The book is cute though.
October 18, 2018
It's fine. We heard it in storytime today. I'm not a huge fan of cute/harmless monsters (monsters serve a purpose, you know!). At the same time, I'm glad my preschooler hasn't told me they're scared of monsters, so there's that. This book's fine. A monster has to fit in, but still gets to be herself a little (even if it's a little hidden). I guess it's kind of a book of etiquette/appropriate behavior towards appropriate audiences.
December 13, 2021
Impractical Mom Life Blog,
We all have different personalities, interests, and ways of doing things. This can mean you have a quirky personality that makes you stand out; or that your life is so interesting, you want an outfit to reflect the unexpected. Bernadette was just a caring soul for a monster. However she wanted to fit in with the other monsters, so she made grossly greeting cards. They were a hit.
We all have different personalities, interests, and ways of doing things. This can mean you have a quirky personality that makes you stand out; or that your life is so interesting, you want an outfit to reflect the unexpected. Bernadette was just a caring soul for a monster. However she wanted to fit in with the other monsters, so she made grossly greeting cards. They were a hit.
May 22, 2017
Bernadette is a monster who doesn't do things the way other monsters do. She likes flowers and other "non monsterly" things. The illustrations were adorable and the story was cute as well. My daughter enjoyed this book. Would recommend.
February 26, 2020
Very cute story with a simple message, "to be you, whoever you are".
Words shown in English and Spanish. I caught this at a Mardi Gras parade! Now after reading it, am going to give to a friend to read with her grandchild. I am sure it will become a favorite of theirs.
Words shown in English and Spanish. I caught this at a Mardi Gras parade! Now after reading it, am going to give to a friend to read with her grandchild. I am sure it will become a favorite of theirs.
September 1, 2021
An early book by the wonderful Tammi Sauer with usual great art by Scott Magoon. I love how it shows how Bernadette has to balance her sensitive side with her love of monsterly mayhem. Kids (and maybe a few adults) can relate.
August 14, 2017
Cute story, definitely shows kids that it's okay to be yourself :)
October 6, 2017
It wasn't scary enough. She was being nice in it.
October 9, 2017
Cute and funny
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews