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Go to School, Little Monster
Welcome, Little Monster, to your first day of school.
Little Monster is going to school for the very first time. That means he’ll be meeting all the other little monsters, including one who has really big teeth and draws scary pictures. Who will ride the ogres and dragons with Little Monster at recess, and listen with him during story time? And what happens when—gulp—Little Monster realizes he forgot his lunch? It’s a good thing Mr. Drool is there to guide Little Monster the whole day through. Helen Ketteman’s soothing rhymes and Bonnie Leick’s sweet watercolor illustrations combine to create a reassuring first-day-of-school story that’s perfect for little monsters everywhere.
Little Monster is going to school for the very first time. That means he’ll be meeting all the other little monsters, including one who has really big teeth and draws scary pictures. Who will ride the ogres and dragons with Little Monster at recess, and listen with him during story time? And what happens when—gulp—Little Monster realizes he forgot his lunch? It’s a good thing Mr. Drool is there to guide Little Monster the whole day through. Helen Ketteman’s soothing rhymes and Bonnie Leick’s sweet watercolor illustrations combine to create a reassuring first-day-of-school story that’s perfect for little monsters everywhere.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
144 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Helen Ketteman
43 books77 followersauthor and mother of two grown sons. Texas, where she lived for 9 years, is one of her favorite places and several of her books are set there. She, her husband, and their two cats currently live in Sanibel Island, Florida--where plenty of armadillos live, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 16, 2019
I have to say, I don't like this one as much as Goodnight, Little Monster. The illustrations are more extreme (some of them are so gnarly that they're a bit hard to look at), and the reassuring presence of Little Monster's mom is missing; she isn't there to drop him off or pick him up, and the poor kid doesn't even have a lunch!
The messages about making new friends and trying new things are good, and Little Monster himself is cute... but the rest of the kids are a bit scary (especially Fang, who doesn't appear to talk, but communicates through violent drawings). This book is definitely for an older audience than Goodnight, Little Monster; in fact, I'd be afraid this book might scare preschoolers about school!
So this was a bit of a disappointment. I'm sure some kids will love it (especially if they're not disturbed by the pictures), but it's definitely not as strong as the bedtime book featuring this character.
The messages about making new friends and trying new things are good, and Little Monster himself is cute... but the rest of the kids are a bit scary (especially Fang, who doesn't appear to talk, but communicates through violent drawings). This book is definitely for an older audience than Goodnight, Little Monster; in fact, I'd be afraid this book might scare preschoolers about school!
So this was a bit of a disappointment. I'm sure some kids will love it (especially if they're not disturbed by the pictures), but it's definitely not as strong as the bedtime book featuring this character.
August 20, 2015
I won this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and my sons absolutely loved it! It was the perfect time actually as my 3 year old is starting pre-school in a couple weeks so this book goes right along with what we have been discussing with him. My boys love books that rhyme and he kept saying "nore monster book pease". Thank you for choosing us as this winner! This book will surely be on our regular story time rotation and I look forward to buying more books from this author :)
September 19, 2023
“Go to School, Little Monster” is about a little monster’s first day at school. He’s afraid in this new environment and is shy at first, but grows to enjoy his school day with the help of his teacher and new friends.
Entering school for the first time can be a scary experience, but with the right support and help from the people around you can make that experience fun and exciting. The book recognized that the new environments can be scary and different, which the monsters analogy help emphasize that point, but even if something is different it doesn’t mean it will be bad, but rather the opposite.
In an article about Picturebook Codes by William Moebius, he mentions the symbolism behind perspectives and recognition of characters. With the book utilizing cute monsters in replacement of humans, it creates an irony behind the main character’s fear of new environments. By showing how normal it is to be afraid and shy through monsters, it builds up the confidence in the reader and lets them know that in spite of being different and scared, it's normal to feel that way and it’ll be okay. This book does a wonderful job in recognizing the difference in environments and emphasizing that difference can be a good thing.
Entering school for the first time can be a scary experience, but with the right support and help from the people around you can make that experience fun and exciting. The book recognized that the new environments can be scary and different, which the monsters analogy help emphasize that point, but even if something is different it doesn’t mean it will be bad, but rather the opposite.
In an article about Picturebook Codes by William Moebius, he mentions the symbolism behind perspectives and recognition of characters. With the book utilizing cute monsters in replacement of humans, it creates an irony behind the main character’s fear of new environments. By showing how normal it is to be afraid and shy through monsters, it builds up the confidence in the reader and lets them know that in spite of being different and scared, it's normal to feel that way and it’ll be okay. This book does a wonderful job in recognizing the difference in environments and emphasizing that difference can be a good thing.
March 23, 2025
Go to School, Little Monster is a cute and playful story that follows Little Monster as he navigates his first day of school. From monster snacks to class projects, the book puts a fun twist on familiar school experiences while easing first-day jitters.
Helen Ketteman’s lighthearted writing pairs well with Bonnie Leick’s soft, whimsical illustrations, which bring the monster world to life in an endearing way. The gentle humor and sweet moments make it an enjoyable read for young children, especially those preparing for their own school adventures.
Overall, it’s a cute and comforting story that adds a fun, monster-themed spin to the first-day-of-school experience.
Helen Ketteman’s lighthearted writing pairs well with Bonnie Leick’s soft, whimsical illustrations, which bring the monster world to life in an endearing way. The gentle humor and sweet moments make it an enjoyable read for young children, especially those preparing for their own school adventures.
Overall, it’s a cute and comforting story that adds a fun, monster-themed spin to the first-day-of-school experience.
October 16, 2025
Go to School, Little Monster is a book about a nervous monster on his first day of school. Little monster is guided through the day by his teacher, Mr. Drool, and eventually makes a new friend. The book uses rhymes and illustrations to show the monster participating in activities like story time, a "Stomp Song," and overcoming his first-day-of-school nerves. This is a great book to read on the first day of school as it demonstrates to children that being nervous is okay and normal! They might even find that their peers are nervous too; finding commonalities with classmates at the beginning of the school year helps children make new friends!
November 26, 2017
What an unusual story yet with a powerful moral lesson.
I liked the way little monster's teacher welcomed and encouraged this student who may have been very shy and or scared on his first day of school. Can't think of any reasons for disliking this story, font or illustrations that seemed to all fall together smoothly. Therefore I wish to rate this for five stars and recommend it for those ages 3-7 and or in grades K-2nd grade. I received this for free using KU, and in return, here is my honest review. Super work Helen ! By Sunny.
I liked the way little monster's teacher welcomed and encouraged this student who may have been very shy and or scared on his first day of school. Can't think of any reasons for disliking this story, font or illustrations that seemed to all fall together smoothly. Therefore I wish to rate this for five stars and recommend it for those ages 3-7 and or in grades K-2nd grade. I received this for free using KU, and in return, here is my honest review. Super work Helen ! By Sunny.
January 25, 2018
I guess this got added to my shelf because of my Amazon integration, but the book deserves my review so here goes.
This is an adorable kid's picture book that teaches it's okay to be different, try and make friends, and school is a great place to learn and have fun. My kids loved the book, and I really enjoyed the art style.
If you like this book I also suggest "Goodnight, Little Monster" by Helen Ketteman, which is my kid's favorite bedtime book.
This is an adorable kid's picture book that teaches it's okay to be different, try and make friends, and school is a great place to learn and have fun. My kids loved the book, and I really enjoyed the art style.
If you like this book I also suggest "Goodnight, Little Monster" by Helen Ketteman, which is my kid's favorite bedtime book.
December 3, 2017
This book is about Little Monster, who is starting school. He is nervous about meeting the other monsters, who might be scary and mean. The watercolor illustrations are sweet and add beautifully created to add to the text. Overall, the story is a beautifully reassuring story for the first day of school.
January 22, 2018
Such an adorable book! Little monster is nervous about going to school, but the teacher helps explain all the new things Little Monster has to learn and process. Little Monster makes friends, takes lessons, and learns how to interact with other little monsters.
Adorably illustrated and fun to read aloud, I recommend it to anyone who has their own little monster to read to!
Adorably illustrated and fun to read aloud, I recommend it to anyone who has their own little monster to read to!
May 16, 2022
This is a cute story for children who may be experiencing some anxiety regarding their first day at school. The story follows Little Monster as he navigates his first day of school and meets his new friend, Fang. This would be a helpful read for young children who have never been to school or anything like it before.
August 10, 2017
I liked it because two firends met and now little monster has a friend for school .
I choose this rating because the book was awesomely awesome, The pictures were looking very real,it was just very very awesome!
I choose this rating because the book was awesomely awesome, The pictures were looking very real,it was just very very awesome!
September 1, 2018
Nope, I am not a fan of Go to School, Little Monster. The rhyming was clever but the author annoyed me with the dinosaur and the little monster "in its jaw" and completely lost me at counting demons. Really? Three year olds should know about demons? I. Don't. Think. So.
October 5, 2022
Cleaver wording and crazy but fun illustrations. Feels a bit shocking/abnormal at the beginning but once you are used to monsters/bugs/gross things you realize it is unique way to talk about first day of school jitters.
August 22, 2023
Since today was the first day of school, I read this with my 3rd graders! It’s such a cute book about being nervous about going to school on the first day and how much fun it ends up being! I loved this book so much!
June 8, 2024
I think this is very relatable for young children going to school for the first time. I bet a lot of children might worry about whether they will make friends in kindergarten or not. Nice story and pictures.
October 24, 2016
Monsters and Friends
Fun rhyming keeps the story moving along. Perfect for kids around Halloween or any time. Also good to help children when starting at a new school or grade.
Fun rhyming keeps the story moving along. Perfect for kids around Halloween or any time. Also good to help children when starting at a new school or grade.
January 4, 2017
Lovely Story
Its a cute little book. Great for kids ! Mine loved this story make sure to enjoy it with your kids too!
Its a cute little book. Great for kids ! Mine loved this story make sure to enjoy it with your kids too!
May 25, 2017
We love the Little Monster books
My son loves all the little monster books. We read them everyday!
We would love to come across other little monster books
My son loves all the little monster books. We read them everyday!
We would love to come across other little monster books
June 11, 2017
Great story
A story I would to my son everyday, very cute!! He really enjoyed it so much. Including Goodnight Little Monster.
A story I would to my son everyday, very cute!! He really enjoyed it so much. Including Goodnight Little Monster.
August 20, 2017
As an adult, I really liked this book. I could see why little kids would love it. Not very long of a read but the pictures a joy to look at. Kinda wish they had it when I was a kid.
August 21, 2017
Super cute
I read this for my daughter's first day of preschool and it's very cute. Hopefully she'll make some new friends tomorrow!
I read this for my daughter's first day of preschool and it's very cute. Hopefully she'll make some new friends tomorrow!
September 7, 2017
This is so adorable
I absolutely love this book! The illustrations are lovely and fun and the rhyming is so fun to read. My son loves this series. I absolutely recommend.
I absolutely love this book! The illustrations are lovely and fun and the rhyming is so fun to read. My son loves this series. I absolutely recommend.
September 28, 2017
Adore
Love the rhythming part. Story was loved by my toddlers. Pictures very nice. Liked the little messages too. Trying new things.
Love the rhythming part. Story was loved by my toddlers. Pictures very nice. Liked the little messages too. Trying new things.
October 4, 2017
Quite witty and fun.
December 31, 2017
Very good read
My children liked this book alot. It was a very cute story with lessons to learn from. it was very well written.
My children liked this book alot. It was a very cute story with lessons to learn from. it was very well written.
February 20, 2018
Awsome!
Creative with a meaningfull story! I LOVE THE DETAIL. Not just the normal boring story. Kept attention of a normally hard to please toddler.
Creative with a meaningfull story! I LOVE THE DETAIL. Not just the normal boring story. Kept attention of a normally hard to please toddler.
June 22, 2018
The story deals with the fears a student might have about going to school . The monster's pictures are not too scary.
August 20, 2018
My toddler loves this book
It’s a well put together story that all preschoolers will face. My toddler loves it! We read it over and over every day.
It’s a well put together story that all preschoolers will face. My toddler loves it! We read it over and over every day.
September 22, 2018
This is a cute fantasy back to school story for kids.
October 15, 2018
Super cute!
Great book to help with first day of school jitters! My son loved it! Can’t wait to read more ‘Little Monster’ books.
Great book to help with first day of school jitters! My son loved it! Can’t wait to read more ‘Little Monster’ books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews