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Rodzilla
This just in! There's a Rodzilla on the loose! Is he a monster...or just your typical toddler? Tune in for the full report in this riotous picture book from Rob Sanders and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat. Rodzilla is the mightiest toddler to ever roam the streets of the city. Marvel at the sight of his chubby monstrosity. Gaze at his toothless grin. Take a whiff of his...no don't do that. Only a mother could love such a creature. Rodzilla is taking over the city (that is really his playpen) and causing all sorts of chaos for its inhabitants (um, his parents). Can he be stopped before he toddles one step too far? Told as an action-packed news report kids will love following Rodzilla on his mighty tear through the city, and ultimately back to his parents' arms. Because sometimes even monsters need a little help.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2017
2 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Rob Sanders
17 books52 followersRob Sanders does not work as a telephone sales rep, a loading dock worker, a trophy engraver, or an editor. But he used to. Rob is not a cowboy, a ballerina, an alien, or a temper-tantrum-throwing toddler. But he writes about them. Rob is a picture book author, a writing teacher, a blogger, and a great uncle. He worked for fifteen years in religious educational publishing as a writer, editor, editorial manager, and product designer. These days he teaches elementary kids about books and words and reading and writing, and writes books for those same kids.
Rob’s first picture book, COWBOY CHRISTMAS, was released by Golden Books/Random House in 2012. OUTER SPACE BEDTIME RACE was released by Random House Children’s Books in January 2015. RUBY ROSE ON HER TOES (the first in a two-book deal with HarperCollins) releases in 2016, and Rob just sold RODZILLA to Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster.
Rob also coordinates the Rising Kite Writing Contest for SCBWI Florida, organizes meetings for SCBWI Florida members in the Tampa Bay area, and critiques picture book manuscripts for other writers.
Rob’s first picture book, COWBOY CHRISTMAS, was released by Golden Books/Random House in 2012. OUTER SPACE BEDTIME RACE was released by Random House Children’s Books in January 2015. RUBY ROSE ON HER TOES (the first in a two-book deal with HarperCollins) releases in 2016, and Rob just sold RODZILLA to Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster.
Rob also coordinates the Rising Kite Writing Contest for SCBWI Florida, organizes meetings for SCBWI Florida members in the Tampa Bay area, and critiques picture book manuscripts for other writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 22, 2017
There's a creature loose in the city. He's causing quite a scene. He's chubby and toothless. He's Rodzilla! Can anyone calm him down? Anyone with a toddler in their lives will enjoy this hilarious tale!
February 14, 2023
I am asleep at the wheel! How have I never read a Sanders book? I think I have 3 of his 15 in my library.
This is adorable. Any parent with a toddler can appreciate the humor. I wish I read it before lunch instead of during. Trigger warning: toddlers are disgusting. And that's a fact.
This is adorable. Any parent with a toddler can appreciate the humor. I wish I read it before lunch instead of during. Trigger warning: toddlers are disgusting. And that's a fact.
August 14, 2017
Illustrated in a style that reminds me of the "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" movie, Rodzilla tells the harrowing tale of a city under attack. The intrepid reporter for Channel 15 keeps Megalopolis up to date on the latest movements of Rodzilla as he rampages through the city. "He's the mightiest creature to ever roam the streets." And the destruction and mayhem caused by stink-rays, slime missiles, and hurled attacks leave citizens able to only "gaze in horror at his toothless grin."
Dan Santat's watercolors capture the desperate faces of those caught by the stink-ray, the gooey green biohazard of the slime missile, and the earth shaking as Rodzilla belly flops in the center of town - sending vehicles flying through the air and buildings toppling. Rob Sanders perfectly reproduces the terse and over the top dramatic style of live news coverage in the text of this epic encounter. And readers will be delighted with the twist in the story line (nope, not telling).
Perfect for readers who enjoy gross humor, monsters that aren't too scary, and surprise endings.
Dan Santat's watercolors capture the desperate faces of those caught by the stink-ray, the gooey green biohazard of the slime missile, and the earth shaking as Rodzilla belly flops in the center of town - sending vehicles flying through the air and buildings toppling. Rob Sanders perfectly reproduces the terse and over the top dramatic style of live news coverage in the text of this epic encounter. And readers will be delighted with the twist in the story line (nope, not telling).
Perfect for readers who enjoy gross humor, monsters that aren't too scary, and surprise endings.
July 29, 2017
1 stars...bump it up to 2 just for the illustrations. Thank goodness!
Have read this concept/seen this concept so many times before and knew the ending as I was only a couple of pages in. *sigh* That's when my too-adult-side kicked in (because I was slightly bored with the concept) and asked: "Where is the responsible person who should be caring for this child while he is getting sick and soiling himself and destroying the room? If he is so loved, why is he all alone?" Then I really started over-analyzing the parents riding up in the elevator while their precious toddler is left by himself and it went WAY DOWNHILL from there. Yep.
Have read this concept/seen this concept so many times before and knew the ending as I was only a couple of pages in. *sigh* That's when my too-adult-side kicked in (because I was slightly bored with the concept) and asked: "Where is the responsible person who should be caring for this child while he is getting sick and soiling himself and destroying the room? If he is so loved, why is he all alone?" Then I really started over-analyzing the parents riding up in the elevator while their precious toddler is left by himself and it went WAY DOWNHILL from there. Yep.
July 14, 2017
This was a great read.
I was suckered in by the cover and the title of "Rodzilla" as it harkens to my love of Godzilla.
Thought my nephew might like it, which he did when he read, re-read and asked his aunt to read it as well, but getting to read it aloud to him was utter enjoyment!
the verse in which it is written, does really allow for one to read it out loud, create different personas as you read along.
Anyone ever having to deal with a toddler, will see a lot of those moments throughout the book.
I was suckered in by the cover and the title of "Rodzilla" as it harkens to my love of Godzilla.
Thought my nephew might like it, which he did when he read, re-read and asked his aunt to read it as well, but getting to read it aloud to him was utter enjoyment!
the verse in which it is written, does really allow for one to read it out loud, create different personas as you read along.
Anyone ever having to deal with a toddler, will see a lot of those moments throughout the book.
Read
May 13, 2019For kids who find gross funny - this book has Rodzilla the monster's snot, dirty diaper smells and throw up! The kids were excited to spot legos (or lego looking toys) in the illustrations. Despite the grossness, Rodzilla is actually kind of cute, like a baby. Twist ending.
May 24, 2017
It was easy to predict where this story was headed.
October 30, 2017
Ha. Good for an older brother or sister to read about a youngster.
July 20, 2017
An enormous chubby monster is heading for the city! News crews are reporting on the disaster as the monster releases stink-ray farts. There are slime missiles of snot and even one big upset tummy effect. Hoses try to push him from the city, but it just ends in a belly flop. But the monster gets back up and continues his rampage. Until two brave people are willing to take on the disaster directly, by picking the terrible toddler up.
Sanders channels Japanese monster films in his text, offering just the right tone of awe and fear into the text. The book is great fun to share aloud, using an announcer voice that just makes the humor even funnier. Sanders offers just enough gross moments for children to be engaged and then moves on to other sources of humor. The switch from monster to toddler is also well handled and will not surprise readers who have been given clear hints about the end.
Santat uses his signature style here. The reactions of the people on the ground to Rodney’s gross emissions is particularly effective, as they run in fear or try to survive. Santat’s illustrations also offer clues to Rodney actually being a human toddler, ones that become more clear as the text progresses.
A funny look at the destructive nature of toddlers that will be appreciated by older siblings and parents alike. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Sanders channels Japanese monster films in his text, offering just the right tone of awe and fear into the text. The book is great fun to share aloud, using an announcer voice that just makes the humor even funnier. Sanders offers just enough gross moments for children to be engaged and then moves on to other sources of humor. The switch from monster to toddler is also well handled and will not surprise readers who have been given clear hints about the end.
Santat uses his signature style here. The reactions of the people on the ground to Rodney’s gross emissions is particularly effective, as they run in fear or try to survive. Santat’s illustrations also offer clues to Rodney actually being a human toddler, ones that become more clear as the text progresses.
A funny look at the destructive nature of toddlers that will be appreciated by older siblings and parents alike. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
August 17, 2018
Rodzilla has invaded Megalopolis, and is terrorizing the citizens with his large size, clumsiness, snot, and tears. Each terrifying moment is reported by a Channel 15 reporter as the plump green T-Rex with his toy-like looks makes his further. All seems lost until two brave people step up. The scene pulls back into reality as Rodzilla's parents scoop their toddler up. This silly drama is nicely narrated by Rob Sanders, and accompanied by Dan Santat's expressive cartoony style. As usual, the end papers show the before and after. Sadly, as cute as the cover is, it actually gives the twist away. The book may have a little too much text for an actual toddler to appreciate, but guardians, and older siblings, will find this story fairly amusing.
September 18, 2017
Evacuate! Rodzilla is on the loose! He's crashing through the town leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. But what is really going on?
So it turns out this story isn't exactly what it seems at first there are clues for those who look. See if readers can predict what's going to happen.
Warning: There is a little of a gross factor in here with Rodzilla throwing up and farting and having a runny nose. It does match the secret revealed, but this isn't for those with weak stomachs.
So it turns out this story isn't exactly what it seems at first there are clues for those who look. See if readers can predict what's going to happen.
Warning: There is a little of a gross factor in here with Rodzilla throwing up and farting and having a runny nose. It does match the secret revealed, but this isn't for those with weak stomachs.
August 2, 2017
All parents think their little ones are monsters at times, and want to tell the world how wonderful their little creature is. This story blends these by using a television reporter to announce the creature's activities, while showing perspective of how large Rodzilla is compared to his toy town.
Humor will be enjoyed by preschoolers. Full color illustrations, done in watercolor, pencil & Photoshop, enhance the text.
Humor will be enjoyed by preschoolers. Full color illustrations, done in watercolor, pencil & Photoshop, enhance the text.
April 9, 2018
Look out or he might attack your town! His demolition capabilities are unmatched and there is no stopping the destruction in his wake. For those of us who have raised or cared for a toddler, this book is a fun reminder of the awesome chaos left by a toddler exploring his or her world. A big shout out to the illustrator who gives clever hints throughout the book as to who "Rodzilla" might be. This book gave me vague recollections of the movie, "Honey, I Blew Up the Kid!"
January 17, 2019
"Rodzilla" by Rob Sanders is a colorful, onomatopeia filled picture book that plays a child version of the popular Godzilla. This book would without a doubt captivate young minds due to the large colorful action-packed imagins, minimal text, and suspense, and a surprise ending. Furthermore, the book contains humor that is often popular with young audiences. While there may not be any lesson from this book it is cute and entertaining.
June 19, 2017
Any one who has a little brother or sister toddling around the house will appreciate the humor in this godzilla inspired monster tale. The giant Rodzilla wreaks havoc on the small block town of Megapolis, climbing couch cushions, knocking over towers, and releasing sink bombs at will, until his parents come in to scoop him up and out of harm's way. Set faze guns to laughter!
May 18, 2017
Another fun read-aloud from one of my favorite authors, Rob Sanders. Rodzilla is a little 'monster' that you just have to love! The illustrations by Dan Santat are epic: funny, over-the-top pictures of Rodzilla's adventures from a toddler's point of view.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
Might be fun for preschool story times. I think you could also use it with elementary school kids to talk about onomatopoeia and perspective. Do think the premise is clever and multiple reads may give it another star.
May 22, 2017
Dan Santat's illustrations are always a joy to come across in any book. They make the reading of the story that much better. Kids will love the humor, adults will know exactly where this story is going!
September 20, 2017
Rodzilla is a kiddie godzilla story with a humorous surprise ending- reminds me of Nighttime Ninja
September 28, 2017
This is a cute story by Rod Sanders and illustrated by Dan Santat. Probably would not be a great read aloud as the "Rodzilla" Farts and throws up. In the end we see it is a baby with his parents pretending and calling him their "little monster"
February 10, 2020
Story about a large dinosaur or toddler who terrorizes the house with newscasters reporting the event. A huge dinosaur is the m.c. and terrorizes the house until Mommy and Daddy come and settle things down. The small newscasters appear to be toys. Silly toddler story but fun to read aloud.
library-priority
June 19, 2020Reminds me of the wonderful Luigi's All-Night Parking Lot. Will this be as good? We'll see!
May 10, 2017
The LEGO Movie feel.
May 10, 2017
What a great boook!!another classic by this author! Kids will love it!
May 11, 2017
Parents will enjoy this silly likeness of a toothless toddler to Godzilla. The illustrations are very cartoon-ish and the glossy pages make it feel like a Pixar movie.
May 18, 2017
Themes: dinosaurs, toddlers, playing
May 18, 2017
Really cute and entertaining interpretation of a terrible toddler on the loose. I could have done without the puking, though.
May 31, 2017
The story is really simple and the illustrations are what make this book interesting.
June 2, 2017
Rodzilla makes for a great read aloud.
June 10, 2017
Mighty toddler dinosaur roams city street committing acts of riotous grossness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews