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Your Scary Monster Friend #1
Are You a Monster?
Are You a Monster? is a fun interactive read-aloud picture book that will have children of all ages roaring and stomping along, as Monster encourages them to be the scariest monster possible.
Warning! This book contains a monster. A really angry, really scary, really bad monster… or so the monster says. And Monster has a very important question: are you a monster too?
Children will love playing along with the book as monster tests them on their monster skills. Do you have a long pointy tail? Big yellow eyes? No? Can you make a big, loud noise? You can!
Kids get to join in with this hilarious story and play their monstrous part, and by the end Monster may just regret asking that all important question.
Warning! This book contains a monster. A really angry, really scary, really bad monster… or so the monster says. And Monster has a very important question: are you a monster too?
Children will love playing along with the book as monster tests them on their monster skills. Do you have a long pointy tail? Big yellow eyes? No? Can you make a big, loud noise? You can!
Kids get to join in with this hilarious story and play their monstrous part, and by the end Monster may just regret asking that all important question.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published February 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 7, 2023
Adorable!!! I ordered 10 copies for the store and will be happy to recommend this picture book! I absolutely love interactive books for kids, it's so much fun! + the illustrations are so cute!
January 8, 2023
So freaking cute! And yes why judge by looks?
A cute book with amazing illustrations about a little monster who looks like a monster but is a cutesy baby inside. And that’s what got me.
Well done with the writing and the animated feel of the reading experience.
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group- Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the advance reading copy.
A cute book with amazing illustrations about a little monster who looks like a monster but is a cutesy baby inside. And that’s what got me.
Well done with the writing and the animated feel of the reading experience.
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group- Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the advance reading copy.
childrens-books
January 24, 2023Awww, this little book is very cute with fun, colourful drawings and an adorable little monster protagonist trying to find everyone’s inner monster. A charming, interactive tale that kids will surely adore!
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.
April 7, 2023
This is one of the most fun children’s books I’ve read in a while. It is so easy to get your child involved in this one with motions, noises, and questions. It’s bound to be a ton of fun with your littles, whether they’re old enough to understand the story or just listening to your funny voices.
The illustrations are simple but entertaining and the whole pages often having a strong background color makes for lots of contrast for the very little ones also. I already know we’ll be reading this one many times in the future.
The illustrations are simple but entertaining and the whole pages often having a strong background color makes for lots of contrast for the very little ones also. I already know we’ll be reading this one many times in the future.
January 10, 2023
Both my children (ages 2 and 4) were enthralled as soon as I started reading. They loved how it was interactive and had them as part of the story as well. They had me read it three times in a row and would have wanted to hear it more if I didn’t take it away! Definitely will be wanting to add this to the shelf when it’s available which lucky for them is only a month away. I hope this author will write more engaging stories like this in the future.
February 8, 2023
Adorable, interactive story. A monster is speaking directly to the reader asking if they are a monster. The book goes through differences asking if the reader has a tail or scaly skin. Then goes through similarities like show me your eyes, teeth and hear you roar. I could have a fun time reading this to younger readers. This allows for playful interaction and is silly fun. The illustrations add to the story. I would buy for an elementary school library. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, Happy Yak for a temporary eARC in exchange for a review.
January 16, 2023
This cute book for toddlers is about a monster looking for another monster... could your child be the one he's been waiting for?
My 2 year old and 5 year old both greatly enjoyed this book. It provided a lot of opportunities for interaction and even for moving around, which was a real treat for my daughter-- it's not often that I encourage her to see if she can stomp around while reading a book. The ending is also very sweet and satisfying.
The illustrations are adorable and make interesting use of depth-- for example at some times the monster appears farther away than at other times, to great effect. The color scheme is a bit dark but the backgrounds tend toward the bright and colorful, presenting a fun contrast for kids (and adults!) to enjoy.
I'd recommend this to parents and educators with children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. It's a really fun and interactive choice that definitely holds their attention!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My 2 year old and 5 year old both greatly enjoyed this book. It provided a lot of opportunities for interaction and even for moving around, which was a real treat for my daughter-- it's not often that I encourage her to see if she can stomp around while reading a book. The ending is also very sweet and satisfying.
The illustrations are adorable and make interesting use of depth-- for example at some times the monster appears farther away than at other times, to great effect. The color scheme is a bit dark but the backgrounds tend toward the bright and colorful, presenting a fun contrast for kids (and adults!) to enjoy.
I'd recommend this to parents and educators with children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. It's a really fun and interactive choice that definitely holds their attention!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2022
On the sillier side of things, this is one of those books where the character talks directly to the reader – even to the extent he orders the book to be over and done with halfway through. ‘He’ is a monster, a googly-eyed, big-tailed, reptilian monster with mahoosive spectacles. And he’s looking for another scary monster to be scary and monstrous with. But the whole game – and book – will be up if we don’t fit his requirements. Beyond what I suppose is a bit of a twist, the book has little going for it except for the meta approach about it directly talking to us, and allegedly reacting to us reacting to it. Three and a half stars, as it’s perfectly acceptable – but never an essential purchase.
January 21, 2023
Can I give "Are You a Monster?" more than just 5 stars? I laughed the entire time reading this! I loved meeting this terrifyingly cheeky monster! This book will be an absolute riot to read aloud during library story time! It will get both the reader and the littles on their feet! My favorite part is Guilherme Karsten's artwork! It's just so completely charming about this little monster with the big eyeglasses just coming at you with with it's sass! I wholeheartedly recommend this! It's just so cute!
February 3, 2024
This one really only works with kids who are itching for a chance to ROAR and STOMP AROUND rather than sit still and read a story.
If your kid is sick, for example, they might give you a withering look when you ask them to make a loud noise, or a stubborn frown when you invite them to stomp really hard on the floor..
..it's been a trying Saturday. XD
A good one for the get-involved crowd. ;) I had to take a star off because of the reception it got here at home. Wasn't the right day for it.
If your kid is sick, for example, they might give you a withering look when you ask them to make a loud noise, or a stubborn frown when you invite them to stomp really hard on the floor..
..it's been a trying Saturday. XD
A good one for the get-involved crowd. ;) I had to take a star off because of the reception it got here at home. Wasn't the right day for it.
March 10, 2025
This is simply fun. I had fun reading it and imagining the kids I know doing the actions that are necessary to be a monster. Do you meet the monster criteria? Find out in this book!
It might be a good book to pair with Ed Emberly’s Go Away, Big Green Monster.
It might be a good book to pair with Ed Emberly’s Go Away, Big Green Monster.
February 12, 2024
Muy divertido!!!
January 18, 2023
This delightful book will be a huge hit with wee ones. It is an interactive read-aloud picture book with a Monster inside that is looking for a monster buddy to do scary things with! He asks the reader are you a monster too?
Kids are encouraged to play along to show the scary ( but fun scary) monster that they just might be the BFF he is seeking.
The monster asks: Do you have a long pointy tail? BIG yellow eyes? Can you make a big, loud noise? And of course the interactive responses he receives are hilarious.
There is a lovely twist, first in in the centre of the book, and another at the end that will have kids coming back again and again to enjoy this fun entertaining tale.
The illustrations are fantastic and I love that the book gives opportunity for movement and interaction. Inviting kids to participate always helps them enjoy reading time and encourages them to want to read more books.
I love the book and highly recommend it!
Kids are encouraged to play along to show the scary ( but fun scary) monster that they just might be the BFF he is seeking.
The monster asks: Do you have a long pointy tail? BIG yellow eyes? Can you make a big, loud noise? And of course the interactive responses he receives are hilarious.
There is a lovely twist, first in in the centre of the book, and another at the end that will have kids coming back again and again to enjoy this fun entertaining tale.
The illustrations are fantastic and I love that the book gives opportunity for movement and interaction. Inviting kids to participate always helps them enjoy reading time and encourages them to want to read more books.
I love the book and highly recommend it!
January 5, 2023
***I received a digital ARC of ARE YOU A MONSTER? via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
ARE YOU A MONSTER? is absolutely hilarious! My kids LOVE monster books, especially ones like this that are interactive. If you have kids who love getting up, stomping and making loud noises, this book is the perfect companion!
We had so much fun pretending to be monsters and laughing about it. The entire book is just this little green monster saying he's looking for other monsters. But the reader of the book couldn't be a monster, could they?
The illustrations are great, as well. Big, bold letters for the story and as much as he's probably not trying to, the monster in the story is super cute. We especially enjoyed his pink glasses and blue bow tie.
A must-read for all little monster fans!
ARE YOU A MONSTER? is absolutely hilarious! My kids LOVE monster books, especially ones like this that are interactive. If you have kids who love getting up, stomping and making loud noises, this book is the perfect companion!
We had so much fun pretending to be monsters and laughing about it. The entire book is just this little green monster saying he's looking for other monsters. But the reader of the book couldn't be a monster, could they?
The illustrations are great, as well. Big, bold letters for the story and as much as he's probably not trying to, the monster in the story is super cute. We especially enjoyed his pink glasses and blue bow tie.
A must-read for all little monster fans!
January 26, 2023
With thanks to the author, publishers Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I loved the interactive nature of this book, where the monster asks the reader some questions to determine if they are a monster. How great to see a book that will encourage kids to get on their feet and have some fun!
At 8 years old my youngest child was a little to old for this book, which no doubt it aimed at a younger audience. However, I can definitely picture her 5-6 year old self roaring at the top of her voice and stomping around the room while reading it!
I also enjoyed how the story shifted from the monster initially doubting the reader was a monster, to being convinced that they were, to being terrified of them in only a few pages. Lost of fun!
I loved the interactive nature of this book, where the monster asks the reader some questions to determine if they are a monster. How great to see a book that will encourage kids to get on their feet and have some fun!
At 8 years old my youngest child was a little to old for this book, which no doubt it aimed at a younger audience. However, I can definitely picture her 5-6 year old self roaring at the top of her voice and stomping around the room while reading it!
I also enjoyed how the story shifted from the monster initially doubting the reader was a monster, to being convinced that they were, to being terrified of them in only a few pages. Lost of fun!
April 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.
This was a cute little interactive book for young children. It starts off with a monster asking questions to determine if your child is a monster to be his friend. Obviously your kid won't qualify since they don't have a tail, or spikes, or pointy fingernails, so the monster is not interested...until he sees your kids big scary teeth. Then he realizes there is potential there.
The overall feeling of the book was similar to There's a Monster at the End of This Book, so if that's one you've read with your kid and they enjoyed it, they'll probably enjoy this as well. The illustrations were minimalistic, but colorful. I would have had no problem reading the book to my kids a few times when they were younger because it really was kind of fun.
Overall I give it 4.1 out of 5 stars.
This was a cute little interactive book for young children. It starts off with a monster asking questions to determine if your child is a monster to be his friend. Obviously your kid won't qualify since they don't have a tail, or spikes, or pointy fingernails, so the monster is not interested...until he sees your kids big scary teeth. Then he realizes there is potential there.
The overall feeling of the book was similar to There's a Monster at the End of This Book, so if that's one you've read with your kid and they enjoyed it, they'll probably enjoy this as well. The illustrations were minimalistic, but colorful. I would have had no problem reading the book to my kids a few times when they were younger because it really was kind of fun.
Overall I give it 4.1 out of 5 stars.
January 17, 2023
As a bookseller, I'm always on the lookout for engaging books for young readers and Are You A Monster? ticks all the necessary boxes.
1. It's a fun, interactive read that will provide kids with the opportunity to move, and physically be part of the story - it will definitely hold the reader's attention!
2. Beautiful, minimal illustrations are engaging and make effective use of the page spread.
3. It's silly, sweet and provides enough engagement without too much effort.
I would recommend this for children 2 years and up, but of course, as parents and guardians it is up to you to choose what works for your little one.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
1. It's a fun, interactive read that will provide kids with the opportunity to move, and physically be part of the story - it will definitely hold the reader's attention!
2. Beautiful, minimal illustrations are engaging and make effective use of the page spread.
3. It's silly, sweet and provides enough engagement without too much effort.
I would recommend this for children 2 years and up, but of course, as parents and guardians it is up to you to choose what works for your little one.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
January 24, 2023
This book is playful and creates social interaction between the listeners/readers and the book. While the monster in the book tries to analyze if the reader is also a monster, children will participate in funny sounds and actions.
This book is a fun way to have a classroom of younger children, daycare, or group learn to interact with one another. It will cause laughter and fun amongst those participating.
My daughter and I loved reading this book together. She found the actions she was asked to create were silly and hilarious.
Highly recommend it for younger children. For ages 3-6 by publishers, but I would say some children up to 8 years would also enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to view this book.
This book is a fun way to have a classroom of younger children, daycare, or group learn to interact with one another. It will cause laughter and fun amongst those participating.
My daughter and I loved reading this book together. She found the actions she was asked to create were silly and hilarious.
Highly recommend it for younger children. For ages 3-6 by publishers, but I would say some children up to 8 years would also enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to view this book.
January 21, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Clever interactive book for younger readers. We meet a little monster who is bad and scary and looking for a fellow monster to be scary with. He turns to the readers and goes through the many parts that make a monster. Readers will appreciate the humor when he tells readers to close the book partway through. Then, he discovers ways the reader and he are alike. Amusing ending as he has to head home. Don't miss the final part in the end pages.
Terrific book for interactive play and a start to dialogue on how everyone is the same and unique too.
Clever interactive book for younger readers. We meet a little monster who is bad and scary and looking for a fellow monster to be scary with. He turns to the readers and goes through the many parts that make a monster. Readers will appreciate the humor when he tells readers to close the book partway through. Then, he discovers ways the reader and he are alike. Amusing ending as he has to head home. Don't miss the final part in the end pages.
Terrific book for interactive play and a start to dialogue on how everyone is the same and unique too.
February 21, 2023
Be on the look-out. Monsters have been spotted in your area.
Or . . . maybe you yourself are a monster?
How would you know?
This rollicking, interactive book will have kids stomping and roaring to prove they are indeed monsters. It's definitely not a bedtime book. What a blast!
(And, I loved that our little monster narrator wears glasses! How cool is that?)
A big ROAR to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the entertainment.
Or . . . maybe you yourself are a monster?
How would you know?
This rollicking, interactive book will have kids stomping and roaring to prove they are indeed monsters. It's definitely not a bedtime book. What a blast!
(And, I loved that our little monster narrator wears glasses! How cool is that?)
A big ROAR to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the entertainment.
July 13, 2025
Cet album reprend la figure classique du monstre, mais avec une approche drôle et interactive. Le narrateur – un monstre en quête de son semblable – s’adresse directement au lecteur, comme s’il lui faisait passer un casting du plus monstrueux. Une façon ludique d’interroger l’identité tout en s’amusant !
Avec peu de texte et un ton accessible, l’histoire est parfaite pour les plus petits. Les illustrations colorées et pleines de vie apportent encore plus de charme à l’album. Mention spéciale pour la troisième de couverture, qui réserve une dernière surprise !
Une chouette découverte à lire et à partager !
Avec peu de texte et un ton accessible, l’histoire est parfaite pour les plus petits. Les illustrations colorées et pleines de vie apportent encore plus de charme à l’album. Mention spéciale pour la troisième de couverture, qui réserve une dernière surprise !
Une chouette découverte à lire et à partager !
January 15, 2023
What an absolutely cute and wonderful book!!
The illustrations are gorgeous and the use of space was very clever.
I absolutely loved the interactive elements of this book! It would make the perfect book to read to a young child or a class of students. Engaging, funny and unique.
I would love it even more if there was an option for Mum/Mummy (rather than Mom/Mommy) in regions with that spelling.
I'll definitely be purchasing a hard copy when it is released. I can't wait to read it with my daughter!
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.
The illustrations are gorgeous and the use of space was very clever.
I absolutely loved the interactive elements of this book! It would make the perfect book to read to a young child or a class of students. Engaging, funny and unique.
I would love it even more if there was an option for Mum/Mummy (rather than Mom/Mommy) in regions with that spelling.
I'll definitely be purchasing a hard copy when it is released. I can't wait to read it with my daughter!
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.
January 19, 2023
Scarily good fun…for the little monsters…who may (or may not) live in your house!
Dynamic narrative of “are you?/you aren’t!/ show me….” style questions and prompts will keep active young critters hooked.
Engaging text made even more interesting by the super cute, I mean a very scary, bespectacled green Monster!
Great illustrations and illustrative use of the character/ page space to capture and convey humour/ emotions.
Would absolutely add this to the shelves of many little monsters I know! 💚
Dynamic narrative of “are you?/you aren’t!/ show me….” style questions and prompts will keep active young critters hooked.
Engaging text made even more interesting by the super cute, I mean a very scary, bespectacled green Monster!
Great illustrations and illustrative use of the character/ page space to capture and convey humour/ emotions.
Would absolutely add this to the shelves of many little monsters I know! 💚
February 12, 2023
Looking for a book to read with your little one that is engaging, interactive and hilarious? Are You A Monster by Guilherme Karsten is sure to have your little one giggling with excitement! The best part of this story is that it allows children to get up and play a part. They can stomp around, get their pointy monster tails swinging about and their bulgy eyes searching for other monsters in the room. Oh, and how about using their loud monster voices! So much fun for all the ages, but especially your wee ones. Keep an eye out in your favourite book store this February 20th.
March 13, 2023
This cute picture book asks the question "are you a monster?" as the main character tries to determine a) what is a monster and b) whether or not he is a monster. A cute picture book with large stylized fonts and comic style speech bubbles will make reading fun. For fans of elephant and piggie or other Mo Willems style books! I would recommend this to parents and teachers of children in the age 3-7 range. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book
January 7, 2023
I love the illustrations in this book! It is such a cute take on your typical monster.
I read this to my 3.5 year old daughter. She got distracted and confused with the middle page that said “The End” and I turned the page to read more. Since it was the first time we have read it. She didn’t really interact with the rest of the book because she was asking why I didn’t stop at “The End”. I think Pre K/Kindergarten is a good age group and Audience for this book!
I read this to my 3.5 year old daughter. She got distracted and confused with the middle page that said “The End” and I turned the page to read more. Since it was the first time we have read it. She didn’t really interact with the rest of the book because she was asking why I didn’t stop at “The End”. I think Pre K/Kindergarten is a good age group and Audience for this book!
January 18, 2023
Okay, this book is ADORABLE! It is so interactive as the monster breaks the fourth wall to test the reader if they are a monster. The reader must examine their body as well as do different actions to prove it. My preschool students will LOVE reading this book over and over again. Prepare for lots of giggles and monster imaginative play!
(Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
(Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 18, 2023
This is a book that will make all the preschoolers giggle and stop and make faces and make weird noises!
The font size and colors add a special touch, and the drawings are funny. The monster is super cute, adorable even, and the book is interactive and engaging and there are many laugh-out-loud moments!
This is absolutely a book I will be recommending to anyone I know who has preschool-age kids.
The font size and colors add a special touch, and the drawings are funny. The monster is super cute, adorable even, and the book is interactive and engaging and there are many laugh-out-loud moments!
This is absolutely a book I will be recommending to anyone I know who has preschool-age kids.
January 20, 2023
Thank you netgalley for an arc copy to review.
This book was so cute and fun! There is a monster. And they are looking for a monster to be their friend. Are you a monster too?
This monster is looking at you and wants you to show them your tail-what? No tail? Well, then can you stomp like a monster?
My son had fun interacting with the book and this would also be fun with a small class to read together.
Book releases 2/21/23
This book was so cute and fun! There is a monster. And they are looking for a monster to be their friend. Are you a monster too?
This monster is looking at you and wants you to show them your tail-what? No tail? Well, then can you stomp like a monster?
My son had fun interacting with the book and this would also be fun with a small class to read together.
Book releases 2/21/23
February 9, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Picture books are so awesome! This one fits in everything I wanted.
It's interactive.
The kids are going to laugh.
It's got the perfect amount of "horror" for kids.
(Which means it's more funny than scary but the idea of monsters gives them the thrill they want.)
If you have a little monster, they're going to love this book too!
Check it out and see if you're a monster.
Picture books are so awesome! This one fits in everything I wanted.
It's interactive.
The kids are going to laugh.
It's got the perfect amount of "horror" for kids.
(Which means it's more funny than scary but the idea of monsters gives them the thrill they want.)
If you have a little monster, they're going to love this book too!
Check it out and see if you're a monster.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews