Two Monsters

by David McKee

Two monsters live on either side of a huge mountain and talk to each other through a hole in the middle. But when the sun sets one evening an argument starts that eventually brings the mountain down-A simple, yet clever story about friendship and understanding others' points of view from classic picture book creator David McKee.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Humor

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

David McKee was a British writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books and animations. He also used the pseudonym Violet Easton. He is frequently referenced as David (John) McKee. He has been commended for his gentle, playful but insightful stories.

For his contribution as a children's illustrator he was UK nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006.

Reviews

[Susi♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch ist großartig! Ich habe dieses Buch in meinem Berufsalltag als Erzieherin schon praktisch angewandt und die Kinder sind begeistert! Ziel des Buches ist es, die subjektive Wahrnehmung (der Kinder) zu trainieren. Das bedeutet hierbei, dass zwei verschiedene Sichtweisen, das gleiche meinen und ausdrücken können. Sehr empfehlenswert!🥰

[coinppa ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"They walk to the middle of the mess they have made and watch the beginning of the night and the ending of the day together."

[Freddie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different speed to Elmer, McKee's colourful classic. But I challenge you to read this without giggling. With a barrage of increasingly detailed and creative insults (culminating in gems such as "you're a pathetic, addle-brained, smelly, lily-livered custard tart!") it's a lot of fun to read aloud. But it's actually quite a lovely interpretation of how friendship can be found in the most unlikely places when we are able to shift our perspectives enough to understand others' views. As Robert Evans once said, "there are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth".

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two monsters argue over perceived differences in an escalating arms race (rock throwing) until at last they destroy the mountain that lay between them and realise that maybe they don't have such different points of view after all.

Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant classic example of post modern fun that does not overtly involve the reader but makes them the prime observer as two friends destroy a mountain to reach common ground. Simple illustrations in bold primary colours and jaunty language describe how some friendships although built on differences really are worth working for.

[Ola Dass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two monsters argue and throw insults at each other. They destroy a mountain that divides them and suddenly they see everything from the same perspective. Loved the book as it’s not preaching but clearly shows that hate and lack of understanding can lead to destruction. But there’s always hope.

[Michael Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Ms Doxey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story about friendship. Year 2 +

[Sammy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining story which shows the importance of being able to see from another person’s perspective. Great illustrations too.

[Frances Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed :) great message on resolving arguments, accepting/acknowledging when others are right and becoming friends. Also silly and funny - winning combination

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book on resolving issues and had great illustrations. This book is aimed at KS1 and is definitely engaging.

[Inés · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story to teach tolerance and understand that it's possible for people to have different perspectives on the same subject without anyone being wrong.
Plus, there are monsters and funny silly insults, which is always an added bonus for children (at least, mine)!

[Rosa]

🧡

[Silvia Sim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Questa storia affronta in modo diretto temi importanti come le difficoltà delle relazioni interpersonali, il conflitto tra persone con punti di vista diversi e la rabbia, mettendo in luce le assurdità di ingiustificati comportamenti ostili e le disastrose conseguenze a cui portano. Nonostante il nobile obiettivo, per gusto personale non ho apprezzato particolarmente il volume, né per il comparto grafico (poco accattivante e semplicistico) né per il testo.
Le espressioni utilizzate dai personaggi per offendersi sono davvero feroci e in alcuni casi un po’ datate. Per un adulto è lampante che siano state esagerate apposta, ma per un bambino non è detto che lo sia, perciò potrebbe trovarle divertenti e basta senza cogliere il senso profondo della situazione. Parlando di chiarezza, inoltre, mi sembra che manchi una sorta di finale riparativo simbolico in cui, ad esempio, i due protagonisti ricostruiscono una casa comune dalle macerie della montagna.
In generale ho trovato che la simbologia del libro sia stata relegata a pochi fattori, rendendolo esageratamente scarno sul versante visivo ed esageratamente pesante su quello verbale.

[Tania Degale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Monsters is a book that teacheres could use to help young children to learn to deal with conflict. It is about two monsters that disagree about the 'daytime arriving and the night-time leaving'. They call eachother rude names like 'peabrain'. Which children find hilarious but know is rude, when you ask them if it's nice to call someone horrible names, they all say "no". There is a big boulder between the two monsters and they throw stones at eachother. This would give the opportunity to discuss throwing things and hurting eachother not being nice. Eventually, the monsters break down the big boulder through all the stone throwing. They realise that they were both right, that the 'daytime arriving and the night-time leaving', is the same thing. They come to a comprimise and become friends.

[Lauren Tappenden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Monsters explores the friendship between 2 monsters who live on opposite sides of a mountain, and although they are friends they have never actually met. When the monsters spoke they were never able to agree which eventually lead to the monsters throwing rocks at one another over the mountain. Although, instead of hitting one another they broke the mountain down until it was all worn away. I enjoyed the book and believe children aged between 5-7 would also enjoy the book due to the insults that are said between each of the monsters, as the majority of classes would find these very funny. This book could be used during story time in year 1 as the children would find it funny and in turn be attentive and listen to the story. This story could also be kept on a class bookshelf for children to read during silent reading time.

[Sian Taylor]

Classic.