Some Monsters Are Different

by David Milgrim

This laugh-out-loud book describes the many differences found between monsters. Some monsters will eat anything; some are picky. Some monsters talk and talk and talk; some are quiet. But ultimately, as this hilarious book makes clear, all monsters are absolutely, positively, completely perfectly wonderful . . . just the way they are!

David Milgrim’s spare text and colorful, contemporary illustrations are perfect for beginning readers. And for anyone who’s ever felt like the odd one out, this is a funny, playful, and comforting story.

Genres: Picture Books, Monsters, Storytime, Childrens, Halloween, Humor, Self Esteem

36 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 2013

Reviews

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but simple book about how all monsters are different but perfect in their own way.

[Binxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text and engaging illustrations make this a good choice for an inclusive storytime. It makes the idea of individuality accessible for preschoolers. Think it will work for World Down's Syndrome Day.

[Jodee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book to simply show how everyone is different. There were some accurate examples in it of characters that some people have.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this simple book about monsters showing all their diversity. Toddler and up. great concept

[Kristen Dutkiewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not all monsters are born the same as this silly book points out.

[Kristen Thorp · Rating 4 out of 5]

71/365

[Lupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book to introduce autism awareness week. It is so cute!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great! Wonderful way to talk about differently abled people and like each other for our differences.

Good for ages 1-7.

[Benjamin Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text and message, your mileage will vary based on how much you like the illustrations, which I think are pretty fun.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This darling little books is so cute and shows how everyone can be different! I love positive cute messages!

[Danielle Robertson Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and simple.

[Fatima Seraj Alam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say that no matter how many times me and my daughter read a book on celebrating differences, we don’t get bored. This time : monster edition.

[Erica Karp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a cute and colorful book that lists different monsters and their contrasting traits. One monster likes to dance and another likes to just watch; one monster likes to play outside and another likes to play inside. The book goes through multiple comparisons like these and ends with all the monsters together and getting along. This book would be good to use when teaching students that just because two people do not like the same thing it does not mean they cannot be friends. In addition, it would be useful to teach students that differences should be accepted and celebrated. This book does a good job of making both traits seem important and valuable; both monsters look happy and like they are having a good time. In addition, the contrasting traits are well paired and do a good job of demonstrating antonyms. Therefore, this book would also be useful for teaching about opposites and what an antonym is. This book is a nice option for all students because the visuals are vibrant and represent the traits well. In addition, the sentences are short and limited to one per page. This means all students will be able to attend to the book and engage with it.

[Joella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book goes through a list of various opposites and pairs them with a plethora of monsters. For example, “Some monsters will eat anything. Some are picky.” The two pages show one monster eating a whole table-full of monster-looking foods. The second picture shows one monster nibbling on a piece of pizza that has had green bits picked off. This is a fun “monster” book that isn’t scary and could possibly help youngsters learn about opposites. Plus, the monsters are cute. It would take a lot for them to scare kids. I mean, one monster is in a pink suit (pants and vest) with a red 70s-ish polka-dot shirt and glasses doing some dance moves. If it wasn’t a green monster with horns (and a pink suit) I would almost start singing “stayin’ alive” before I turned the page. I also love how the end pages have “monsters” that look like people faces. Perhaps that means that some people are “different” as well? Fun.

[Aeicha]

David Milgrim's Some Monsters Are Different is a laugh-out-loud celebration of differences and uniqueness, with some of the coolest monster illustrations ever!

With simple, sparse text, Milgrim explores and celebrates the differences among monsters (and people!) in an absolutely charming and adorable way! This story will have readers (young and old) giggling and flipping through the pages again and again. Milgrim creates a heartwarming and important message, about acceptance and appreciating differences, that even the youngest reader will understand.

As much as I love Milgrim's words, I adore his bright, cheery illustrations. The different monsters (there's a lot) are just SO cute and squee-worthy! These eye-catching and fun pictures will delight readers every time they open this book...I know I want to spend all day staring at them!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For every characteristic you have somewhere in the world, maybe even in your own backyard, someone shares the opposite trait. The same goes for monsters!

This is a simple book, with simple words to help a child learn small sentence structures. The book maybe simple but it holds a strong message. In a small way it teaches about some character opposites. In a major way it teaches children that through out life we all find monsters that are different.

Learn more about Monster differences on The Banana Peel.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Summer Reading Day 54: Our book today was Some Monsters Are Different by David Milgrim, and we really enjoyed it. It's a great length for babies one or younger, substantial enough to enjoy the reading time but short enough for busy babies who are not partial to sitting still. The story is simple and sweet, about all different types of monsters: some who like to take baths and some who don't, some who are the same and some who are different, etc., with the moral of the story being that each monster is perfect just as they are. The language is cute and the illustrations are colorful and sweet. Thumbs up!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like humans, monsters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and this picture book reminds readers that despite their differences, all monsters are perfect just the way they are. The small amount of text and affirming sentiments fit well with the colorful monster-filled illustrations created with digital ink and pastel. There are even monsters wearing glasses and loquacious and reticent ones. Certainly, this book would provide a ready reminder to young readers that all of us are different, and being yourself is good.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author illustrator David Milgrim really had the pulse of the preschool set when he chose monsters to illustrate his collection of different behaviors. My three year old grand daughter celebrated with a monster themed birthday party, and she loves to play monster! Which little monster is she? Definitely the one running away from the tub, unless she has on her swim cap and goggles, then it's all good! Excellent selection for story time!

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, there is a potential for this to be used as a didactic message sort of book, you know "we're all different but we're all wonderful". I could take that from Mr Rogers <3 , but mostly in books it makes me wince.

But the concluding message here should be treated as a satisfying ending to giggling over a set of monsters that leap off the page to entertain you--even the shyest one. Just read this and HAVE FUN!

[Deanna Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story for any child that doesn't exactly fit in. It goes through many different monsters and how they can be very much the same, or very different. The story is easy to read and has a good flow to it. The pictures go along nicely with the story. I think that this would be a great book for the classroom because it gives message that being different is okay. This could be a very positive story to have and to read in the classroom.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go ahead. I dare you to not want to read this book after looking at that adorable cover. And the monsters that grace this book are all adorable, but the cover monster is my absolute favorite.

While the story isn't particularly original, bordering on cliche, the endearing illustrations more than make up for it.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, little picture book about celebrating our differences. Large, whimsical font is paired with colorful, quirky monster illustrations. Milgrim's book would be perfect to share during a monster story time, as well as, an excellent way to promote acceptance in a preschool or primary class.

[Amy Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Fantasy
Copyright Date: 2013
This was a cute book! This book focuses on the theme of identity. The author shows the different personalities of the monsters and shows how some monsters are different. This book is a bit below the level of my students, but I think the younger grades would really love this book!

[Bethany Harnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great preschool storytime book celebrating the fact that the one thing we all have in common is that we are all different (and that it's wonderful that way!). The high contrast of the colorful large text and bold illustrations pops out against the white backgrounds.

[Nanci Booher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun story. A tale of monsters that are different that can easily start a conversation with kids about their differences. I could see this book branching into many discussions about similarities and differences the kids may see in themselves and others. Great illustrations.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just got a quick read on the advanced copy, will write a full review when I get to see the finished copy.

[Laura Filtness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book about being yourself. A great book to use as an icebreaker and then have the kids share what is special about them. It's also perfect for a self esteem small group. I adore it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me Todd Parr's It's Ok to Be Different, which I love. Fun illustrations!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read aloud for the lower grades to start talking about how we are all different, but all the same.