What do you think?
Rate this book
Bub
A little monster, caught in the middle of a boisterous monster family, tries to find a way to be seen in this whimsically sweet and quirky picture book from the author of Henny and Peddles .
For Bub, it’s not easy being the middle child in his little monster family—especially such a noisy and busy one: Maw and Paw can be very loud, his big sister Bernice is good at everything, and everyone has to pay attention to The Baby. No one has time for Bub. But the day comes when Bub decides to take charge, and suddenly things change in a very magical little monster way! What happens next keeps his family guessing, until Bub sees that it might not be so bad being in the middle, after all.
For Bub, it’s not easy being the middle child in his little monster family—especially such a noisy and busy one: Maw and Paw can be very loud, his big sister Bernice is good at everything, and everyone has to pay attention to The Baby. No one has time for Bub. But the day comes when Bub decides to take charge, and suddenly things change in a very magical little monster way! What happens next keeps his family guessing, until Bub sees that it might not be so bad being in the middle, after all.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2018
34 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 14, 2020
Author/artist Elizabeth Rose Stanton, who has explored the lives of oddball barnyard animals in such titles as
Henny
and
Peddles
, turns to the experiences of a quiet middle child in this third foray into the world of picture-books. Bub (real name: Bob) quietly accepts the corruption of his name - an inability to close his Os while a beginning writer leads to the mistake in the first place - and the fact that his parents are so wrapped up in his older and younger sisters that they seem to have little time left over for him. But when Bub disappears, it turns out that his family are interested in him after all...
A sweet story of sibling love and rivalry, and of family dynamics, Bub takes some common childhood experiences and gives them a monstrous makeover. The eponymous pale green hero is about as cute as a monster gets, and his story will surely strike a chord with young listeners, especially if they are middle children themselves. The artwork here, done in pencil and watercolor, is immensely appealing, with plenty of visual details - I loved the subtle differences in the portraits on the living room wall, as seen at the beginning of the story, and then at the end, and that two of the portrait subjects are Henny and Peddles! - and a refreshingly large amount of white space on the page. I always appreciate an artist who doesn't feel the need to fill every bit of space, especially when the scene would work better using a sparer approach. Plenty of other visual details hold appeal, from Bub's adorable cat (with her expressive tale!) to the fact that he continues to have trouble closing his Os, in the letter he sends his family. It is clear that Stanton is a master craftsman - no surprise, given her background as an architect - and she has created an appealing little gem here. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about being the quiet one in the family, or who appreciate an uncluttered look to their picture-books.
A sweet story of sibling love and rivalry, and of family dynamics, Bub takes some common childhood experiences and gives them a monstrous makeover. The eponymous pale green hero is about as cute as a monster gets, and his story will surely strike a chord with young listeners, especially if they are middle children themselves. The artwork here, done in pencil and watercolor, is immensely appealing, with plenty of visual details - I loved the subtle differences in the portraits on the living room wall, as seen at the beginning of the story, and then at the end, and that two of the portrait subjects are Henny and Peddles! - and a refreshingly large amount of white space on the page. I always appreciate an artist who doesn't feel the need to fill every bit of space, especially when the scene would work better using a sparer approach. Plenty of other visual details hold appeal, from Bub's adorable cat (with her expressive tale!) to the fact that he continues to have trouble closing his Os, in the letter he sends his family. It is clear that Stanton is a master craftsman - no surprise, given her background as an architect - and she has created an appealing little gem here. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about being the quiet one in the family, or who appreciate an uncluttered look to their picture-books.
February 5, 2018
I read the first sentence and then had to yell to my fellow librarians about how adorable I was sure the rest of the story would be.
I was not disappointed. Bub is the cutest little bat monster I've ever seen.
I was not disappointed. Bub is the cutest little bat monster I've ever seen.
January 23, 2018
Let me tell you a story.
When I was probably five or six, I went to a vacation bible school that was not from the church we were in. My group had this little old lady as the instructor and when she went around the room asking for names, I said, "Garrett."
She said, "Gary?"
I said, "Garrett."
She said, "Jarrett?"
I said, "Garrett."
She said, "Barret?"
I said, "Garrett!"
She said, "Gary?"
I said, "Yeah, my name is Gary."
I thought this book was going to be relatable, but then they made Bub the middle child! Oh, poor middle children! Boohoo--you had it so bad, we get it! In reality, the youngest has it hardest and we all know it! Try again, Ms. Stanton!
When I was probably five or six, I went to a vacation bible school that was not from the church we were in. My group had this little old lady as the instructor and when she went around the room asking for names, I said, "Garrett."
She said, "Gary?"
I said, "Garrett."
She said, "Jarrett?"
I said, "Garrett."
She said, "Barret?"
I said, "Garrett!"
She said, "Gary?"
I said, "Yeah, my name is Gary."
I thought this book was going to be relatable, but then they made Bub the middle child! Oh, poor middle children! Boohoo--you had it so bad, we get it! In reality, the youngest has it hardest and we all know it! Try again, Ms. Stanton!
January 31, 2018
Poor Bub (supposed to be Bob) is tired of being the middle child, so he disappears until he can convince his family to treat him better.
January 20, 2018
Being a middle child can be hard. Heck being any order child can be hard. Life is just hard, sometimes. Bub feels overlooked and neglected. Overshadowed by his older sister's accomplishments and his baby sister's cuteness. And lost behind his loving, but boisterous, parents.
In a deceptively simple and touching book, a sensitive, middle-child monster, Bub, deals with an exceptionally loud, annoying day by disappearing. At the end of the day, his family finally misses him. When their search fails to locate Bub, they leave him a note. Which returns, as a paper airplane, with a list of changes he desires (needs). Happily, everything goes "back to the way it was . . . only better."
Illustrated with the flair we've come to expect from Elizabeth Rose Stanton, the soft, watercolor images of a green monster in baggy, blue overalls (and his entire family) are endearing. Peppered throughout the story are pictures of her other picture book characters (Henny & Peddles), and a few other monsters, who interact with the story.
This is a great book for introverts, middle children, and anyone that feels invisible to their family or friends, or maybe just a bit overwhelmed.
In a deceptively simple and touching book, a sensitive, middle-child monster, Bub, deals with an exceptionally loud, annoying day by disappearing. At the end of the day, his family finally misses him. When their search fails to locate Bub, they leave him a note. Which returns, as a paper airplane, with a list of changes he desires (needs). Happily, everything goes "back to the way it was . . . only better."
Illustrated with the flair we've come to expect from Elizabeth Rose Stanton, the soft, watercolor images of a green monster in baggy, blue overalls (and his entire family) are endearing. Peppered throughout the story are pictures of her other picture book characters (Henny & Peddles), and a few other monsters, who interact with the story.
This is a great book for introverts, middle children, and anyone that feels invisible to their family or friends, or maybe just a bit overwhelmed.
February 11, 2018
A book that will be enjoyed by middle children (and everyone else too) everywhere!
April 8, 2018
Quirky and heartwarming book will win the hearts of many children who are smack in the middle of their families. They will relate to Bub’s dilemma. The text flows nicely and has an element of suspense to it. She doesn’t hurry it along, allowing her signature color-pencil and watercolor illustrations time to deliver Bub’s important message to his family. The ending is endearing and original. Stanton’s book will invite many conversations at home and in the classroom. There is a lot of humor and heart in Bub.
January 21, 2018
This book is so great!!! The middle child is feeling a little left out, I love how this story resolves. What I particularly loved was the art!!! Elizabeth's books are all fun and the art is great, but there is something extra special about the small details in Bub! Here's a hint....watch the bunny!!
March 4, 2018
Bub whose real name is Bob, is in the middle. He has a talented older sister and younger Baby sister. When his sisters get all the attention he decides a change is in order, so Bub goes missing. His family soon misses him and he misses them. By leaving a simple note he solves the problem of naming the Baby and fits back into family life.
March 3, 2018
Adorable illustrations of a monster family (and their cat) and a highly-relatable main character with a highly-relatable problem make this a fun read. I'm looking forward to reading Elizabeth Ros Stanton's other books.
August 15, 2018
Cute story, especially for middle children (see Rosemary Wells' "Noisy Nora" or "Invisible Bill" by Maureen Fergus). Poor editing that on the page in which Bub starts to disappear his image is split into the gutter of the book.
February 5, 2018
So cute!
February 9, 2018
Great book to teaching getting along
February 14, 2018
Bub can tell you being the middle child- even if it literally consists of monsters- isn't easy. So he decides to do something about it. A cute story of being part of a large family.
February 17, 2018
But what did they name the ding-dang baby?!
March 5, 2018
I picked up the book as "Bub" was a nickname we used for my brother. The monsters were quite cute and the story pretty good a well.
May 8, 2019
A young child feels left out in his family but what happens when he disappears. A little confusing. preschool and up
June 9, 2018
This sweet picture book about a family of monsters who sometimes argue is a good choice for a one on one read with a pre schooler
November 21, 2018
Bub finds a solution to his problems with his family. A bit too simplistic...
May 13, 2019
Cute book, with a catchy title, that shows the middle child blues in a very relatable way. Kids enjoyed it.
October 16, 2019
A sweet story about a monster suffering from being the middle child.
October 7, 2020
I didn't understand what the book was about. It had too little information. The pictures were nice though.
April 17, 2021
I read this to a cat. He loved it!
October 18, 2018
Ms. Stanton's book contends that middle children, though they can be little monsters, may literally be invisible at times. Thought-provoking.
May 2, 2018
This book is a children's picture book for ages 4 to 8 years of age. A little monster named " Bub" is the middle child that is having a hard time with his noisy family. I rated this book at 3 stars because i
thought the book would be easy for children to read. I think children will like the little monster's in the story too. I wasn't that interested in the book. But for some reason my six year old nice loved it! The illustrations and colors were very bright and cute in this book. The plot of "Bub" being the middle child and how he copes with that i thought was a good way to get that message across to kids in a interesting and creative way. I thought some times on certain pages the writing and text was a little confusing. I wasn't sure what the story was trying to state at first. But, I do think this book would be appealing to young readers, i was surprised my niece enjoyed it as much as she did. I would use this book in a classroom setting obviously because of my young niece liking it so much so i am sure other children would too. I notice my niece goes to read this book first before any others i have in the room. So, it must have some positive appeal to her.
thought the book would be easy for children to read. I think children will like the little monster's in the story too. I wasn't that interested in the book. But for some reason my six year old nice loved it! The illustrations and colors were very bright and cute in this book. The plot of "Bub" being the middle child and how he copes with that i thought was a good way to get that message across to kids in a interesting and creative way. I thought some times on certain pages the writing and text was a little confusing. I wasn't sure what the story was trying to state at first. But, I do think this book would be appealing to young readers, i was surprised my niece enjoyed it as much as she did. I would use this book in a classroom setting obviously because of my young niece liking it so much so i am sure other children would too. I notice my niece goes to read this book first before any others i have in the room. So, it must have some positive appeal to her.
July 8, 2021
Bub was the middle child of a family of monsters. Bernice got praise, The Baby got attention, but Bub felt unappreciated and ignored. One day Bub thought of a way for everyone to stop being loud, argumentative, and rude and to notice him. Cute story about family dynamics, nicely illustrated.
Read
January 11, 2018Family dynamics are constantly shifting to accommodate the ebb and flow of the personalities of individual members. No two family dynamics are the same. With that being said, sometimes the middle child in more than one family struggles to be noticed. It seems the majority of favorable attention is given to the oldest and youngest siblings.
Most children would rather not be invisible. A little bit of love can make all the difference. Bub (A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, January 16, 2018) written and illustrated by Elizabeth Rose Stanton is about a little monster in the middle of an older sister and a new baby.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
Most children would rather not be invisible. A little bit of love can make all the difference. Bub (A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, January 16, 2018) written and illustrated by Elizabeth Rose Stanton is about a little monster in the middle of an older sister and a new baby.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
January 31, 2018
Life as the middle child.
t
February 2, 2018We are checking out most of our library's new acquisitions if they have appealing covers. I know we're told not to judge books by their covers, but I definitely do.
V's Review
A cute little monster tires of stressful family dynamics and turns himself invisible.
Bub is the middle monster child with a star older sister, an adorable baby sister, and argumentative parents. He becomes crabby as a result of family strife and conceives a solution some children may have wondered about themselves. He disappears from sight and watches what happens when his family misses him. Spoiler alert: happy ending.
When I placed my hold request for Bub using my phone, the tiny book cover looked like a cat to me. I did a double take when I was given a monster book! The cuteness of all the illustrations appeals, but I most enjoyed the portraits in the background in Bub's home. Their expressions change to reflect Bub's emotions on each page. Bub states how his family's behavior affects his emotions, and while children may identify with that situation, the fact that he is a monster may override their connection. As we drove home from the library, T told me he was going to look at the book to "see what the book is about;" his understanding that this was a monster story held true even after reading.
I liked it, but I've recently read that human characters resonate with children more than animal characters, so I've tried to strike a better balance.
Here's the article about human vs. nonhuman characters in children's lit: https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
T's Review
(age 2 years and 11 months)
V: Did you like this book?
T: Yeah
V: Why did you like this book?
T: Because the [scary] monsters are going to come.
V: What did you think of the big ugly monsters?
T: I think that they are kind of bad for Bub.
V: Did you like Bub or his sister Bernice better?
T: Bub
V: Who did you like the best, Bub, Bernice or Baby?
T: Baby
V: Why?
T: Because she called him "Blub."
V: Was that a good name or a bad name?
T: A good name
V: Was there anything happy or sad in this book or both?
T: happy and sad
V: What was happy?
T: How they found Bub.
V: What was sad?
T: How they didn't find Bub...how he disappeared.
V: What do you have to say about the pictures?
T: I have to say I like, I just like the pictures.
V's Review
A cute little monster tires of stressful family dynamics and turns himself invisible.
Bub is the middle monster child with a star older sister, an adorable baby sister, and argumentative parents. He becomes crabby as a result of family strife and conceives a solution some children may have wondered about themselves. He disappears from sight and watches what happens when his family misses him. Spoiler alert: happy ending.
When I placed my hold request for Bub using my phone, the tiny book cover looked like a cat to me. I did a double take when I was given a monster book! The cuteness of all the illustrations appeals, but I most enjoyed the portraits in the background in Bub's home. Their expressions change to reflect Bub's emotions on each page. Bub states how his family's behavior affects his emotions, and while children may identify with that situation, the fact that he is a monster may override their connection. As we drove home from the library, T told me he was going to look at the book to "see what the book is about;" his understanding that this was a monster story held true even after reading.
I liked it, but I've recently read that human characters resonate with children more than animal characters, so I've tried to strike a better balance.
Here's the article about human vs. nonhuman characters in children's lit: https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
T's Review
(age 2 years and 11 months)
V: Did you like this book?
T: Yeah
V: Why did you like this book?
T: Because the [scary] monsters are going to come.
V: What did you think of the big ugly monsters?
T: I think that they are kind of bad for Bub.
V: Did you like Bub or his sister Bernice better?
T: Bub
V: Who did you like the best, Bub, Bernice or Baby?
T: Baby
V: Why?
T: Because she called him "Blub."
V: Was that a good name or a bad name?
T: A good name
V: Was there anything happy or sad in this book or both?
T: happy and sad
V: What was happy?
T: How they found Bub.
V: What was sad?
T: How they didn't find Bub...how he disappeared.
V: What do you have to say about the pictures?
T: I have to say I like, I just like the pictures.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews