The Monster and Puppet Show!-Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!

by Kate Micucci, Mo Willems

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Juvenile, Monsters, Jokes, Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I miss Peggie and Gerald-what can I say?

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I worked in the library as a Children's and Teens Librarian, I was always on the lookout for funny interactive books that I could share with my class visits. There's nothing quite like watching kids light up when they get to participate in the story, and those are the books that stick with them long after storytime ends. If I was still in the library, The Monster and Puppet Show would absolutely be one of the books on my School Visits list.

Kate Micucci – yes, Lucy from The Big Bang Theory! – has created something really special here. This book immediately reminded me of the classic The Monster at the End of the Book, which featured Grover from Sesame Street. When my brother was little, that was one of his favourite books that I would read to him, and he'd giggle every single time we turned a page despite Grover's protests.

The Monster and Puppet Show captures that same magic of breaking the fourth wall and inviting young readers to become part of the adventure. The interactive elements make it perfect for read-alouds, whether you're sharing it with a classroom full of eager faces or snuggled up at home with your own kids. There's something wonderful about books that transform reading from a passive activity into an engaging experience where children feel like they're helping to tell the story.

Kate Micucci's playful storytelling shines throughout, and you can feel her performer's sensibility on every page. She understands what makes kids laugh and how to keep them engaged, which shouldn't surprise anyone familiar with her quirky, endearing comedy style. The book strikes that perfect balance between silly and sweet that makes it enjoyable for both kids and the adults reading to them – because let's be honest, nobody wants to read a boring book to children, and we certainly don't want to torture ourselves in the process!

For parents, teachers, and librarians looking for books that will actually get kids excited about reading, this is a winner. It's the kind of book that children will want to hear again and again, and one that works beautifully for engaging reluctant readers or energizing a whole classroom.

The Monster and Puppet Show is a fantastic addition to any picture book collection and proof that interactive storytelling never gets old.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This duo...or single character? It's hard to say which as Monster finds a puppet, and both seem to hold their own ideas about everything.

Monster discovers a puppet and decides that it'd be great to have a puppet show, but he isn't sure what to do. Luckily, Puppet has some ideas, and soon the two are going back and forth, having so much fun. It goes on and on and on...until it isn't so fun anymore. But Monster isn't sure what he should do then.

This is a bit of a quirky tale and just right for beginning readers. Monster is simple and easy to connect with. Puppet, which should just be a puppet, seems to gain its own personality (or does it really?) While there's a bit of situation humor and some silly circumstances, there are also jokes worked in to offer an extra treat that readers can take with them. And the ending holds a tiny message about friendship, but this is really just a dab to round off the tale nicely.

The main purpose of this book is to practice reading skills in an entertaining way, and it fulfills this task well. The illustrations are simple and colorful, but offer a visual assistance to support what is happening. The text is in speech bubbles and sticks to only a few words, and many are repeated to help recognition skills. The vocabulary stays in a beginning range, while adding a few, slightly more difficult ones along the way. But thanks to the humor, everything stays light and fun.

It's a cute and entertaining way to build those word skills while bringing some smiles, too.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elephant & Piggie eagerly introduce this new beginning reader in the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series. A monster comes across a puppet lying on the path. He picks it up and puts it on his hand which inspires a conversation between the pair before they begin a show. At the puppet's urging, the monster dances, sings, and tells jokes. Monster eventually gets tired and wants to stop but the puppet gets rather pushy leading to some brief conflict and a shocking (not-so-shocking to the reader) realization before peace is restored. The straight-forward line-based drawings follow the Elephant & Piggie format of focusing on the characters with no background. A city skyline appears on a few pages. As in the Elephant & Piggie books, the story revolves around the character's facial expressions and physical actions with the associated speech bubbles separated by color. There is something surprisingly meta about a character that spends the book 'playing' with himself (the puppet) before 'arguing' with himself (the puppet). Guess it's true that you are never alone when you've got yourself (or a puppet) for company?! A fun addition to an enjoyable series that young readers are likely to find quite funny. Recommended.

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Monster finds Puppet, Puppet encourages Monster to put on a show. As Puppet demands more and more like singing, dancing and joke telling, Monster ends up throwing Puppet in frustration. When calmer heads prevail, Monster apologizes and Puppet reminds him that Monster is in control.

This is easy reader from Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie Like Reading, is meant to appeal to fans of Elephant and Piggie. The popular characters provide and introduction and conclusion to the story. Whie the story is fun; it is also a window into letting children know that they are in charge of their bodies and actions.

I would recommend this book for purchase by elementary and public libraries.

This book was provided in ARC format for professional reading and review by SWON Libraries.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Monster and Puppet Show" is a fun and silly book. I agree with other reviewers that it is a good way to help young readers read and to get into reading. The jokes are cheesy, but, as someone who gets amused easily (especially by dad jokes), they made me laugh. I can see them making children laugh too. The illustrations are cute and well done. The story is fun and I look forward to getting this to my nephew.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read for storytime, together, or on your own. Color-coded dialog boxes allow the reader to switch voices for the different characters. There are some "dance" directions that readers (or listeners) could do to be even more a part of the story. Text sizes help indicate voice volume, making the story that much more interactive. Mo Willems' Elephant & Piggie introduce and conclude the book. A solid addition to library or home collections.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest in the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series.
Monster finds a puppet and decides to put on a show with him. Puppet is not kind to Monster as the show progresses so Monster throws Puppet. He then apologizes and they work together for a better ending. The artwork is delightful but the story falls flat at times.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was cute enough but it definitely wasn't Elephant and Piggie level cute. I'm not sure that younger readers will get the part when Monster realized he is the one controlling the puppet. I almost think this is more appropriate for a slightly older audience than Elephant and Piggie books.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Kate Micucci so when I've seen she came out with new book she illustrated and written by Mo Willems... I had to read it! It was cute and funny and I loved the artwork. It's about a monster and puppet doing a show and the puppet wants more and more even though the monster is tired. What is a monster to do? Read it and find out!

[Kevin Magpoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so nice to see that actor, voice actor, musician and comedian Kate Micucci has a new children's book out! I can't wait to read it to see what it's about.

[reads book about a monster who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to perform music and comedy all the time]

Erm....Kate, are you feeling okay?

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! My primary grade music students use puppets of different sizes and characters for pitch and vocal exploration purposes and this will be an easy way to add depth (and a lot of humor) to a lesson. You could do pitch echoes, call and response, vocal exploration, and more.

[Eliana]

A fun addition to the world of Piggie & Gerald from Kate Micucci! Surprisingly meta, delightfully funny, a great read-together. Not a baby/tot storytime option, but potentially a good kindergarten visit readaloud.

[Grg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kate Micucci is a fine actress and comedian. I look forward to what she does next.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovingly done, great collaboration by two of my favorites. For younger children. Bravo

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Engaging emergent reader

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and engaging. This is a pretty interactive book for early readers. I felt like it seemed a little dark ... I may watch too many scary movies.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

trippy and meta

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Monster finds a Puppet and decides to put on a show leading to some hijinks. A cute easy reader.