Today I'm a Monster: A Picture Book About Emotions, Behavior, and Acceptance for Kids Ages 2–9 (Cozy Reading Nook)

I am very frustrated with this book. It is well-intended and might be good for a few children, but it is not what I wanted it to be and not appropriate for my 4 year old twins.This book is written for kids with extreme problems acting out. Kids whose only need right now is to deal with the shame they experience after they've calmed down.The message of the book is that Mom still sees the boy inside the monster and loves that boy even while the monster is acting out. To make this point, they make the boy/monster's behavior extreme and continuous for a whole day. I realize some kids go through day's like that, but it's the minority. It is certainly far beyond the 30-60 minute tantrums I get from my kids. The behavior in the book feels like it would give my kids additional, more destructive ideas about how to act out when they are mad and trying to upset other people.Yes, it is important to reduce the shame that kids feel about making mistakes. But teaching them they are still loved is only the first lesson for kids that act out like this. I was looking for a book that includes more than this. This book includes very little story telling about what to do after the monster is gone. No examples of being responsible for behavior, or cleaning up messes, or taking care of people that "the monster" might have hurt or upset. At the end of the story, the authors just have the boy interact with people he wronged as though nothing ever happened.Maybe some kids are so out-of-control that they need a book like this that is just focused on being loved and getting past the shame. I think the description of this book should be clearer about that target audience. Most kids are much smaller monsters than this, and most parents will be looking for a book that demonstrates taking responsibility after a tantrum is through.One final note -- As a single father, I am saddened by the complete focus on the MOTHER loving the boy. Dad is in the beginning and end of the story, but he is NEVER mentioned as seeing the boy, or loving the boy, or supporting the boy. It would've been so easy to include Dads as loving parents, too. Instead we get a weird, passive, by-stander for Dad.

Hee Hee! If you are a parent or anyone caring for children you will surely be able to identify with this story! This 'monster' does not want to get out of bed but when he does you had better beware! His poor mom takes him to Kindergarten and on the way he tells the neighbor how much he loves his flowers but is going to pull the petals off and put them up the neighbor's nose! Uh Oh! Like a typical mom, she loves her little boy regardless reassuring him that he is still loved no matter how he behaves. She soothes him and the end of the story definitely shows a different little boy from the previous day.Well written? Yes, for the most part. I did find the following:"With monster strength, I tug if free,...." It should read, "I tug it free..."Other thoughts.... Depending on your parenting style you may or may not like this book. Let me warn you that there are NO repercussions shown for the boy's bad behavior.WARNING: The Kindle version of this book is NOT suitable for all devices so please check the list above to make sure you are not disappointed. I downloaded this and read it on my Cloud Reader as it will not work on my Paperwhite. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz

I think this is a cute book and would be incredibly awesome for kids that have various emotional or other struggles, as it shows a kid that wakes up and is having a super bad day. It’s an inner “monster” that he has trouble controlling...i.e., his bad behavior. Working with kids with various learning and emotional disabilities, I can see that this would be great for a kid who feels, at times, that they aren’t always in control of them self.I didn’t, for myself or my kids, like it as well. I really disliked the behavior this kid demonstrated and there was no point of consequence or even saying I’m sorry. Yes, it’s a book, but for small kids books are great way of reinforcing lessons and I did t particularly agree with this being “lesson” for mine.I thought it was nicely done.

This book is about a little boy who wakes up grumpy and does grumpy things until his mom comforts him. It's a sweet story to remind the little ones that it's okay to have bad days, and that we will love them no matter what! The illustrations are incredible and so vibrant! I also love how the book isn't too short, and that it rhymes. There's also coloring pages at the back. Very cute book!

My son is a little extra at times! He’s very funny and into mischief, but sometimes just down right difficult. We are gentle and peaceful parents, and try to have endless patience. This book is perfect for that sentiment. Dragon’s grandmother takes care of him all day during the week, so I got this book for her for a holiday gift. I can’t wait to give it to her. I took some liberties and hope the authors & illustrator don’t mind, but I added in “grand” mother and colored her hair yellow to represent our family’s Grandma, instead of the brunette mom in the story. Anyway, it’s such an uplifting story for a tired care giver, and I’m sure my child will learn a lot about empathy while following along with the read. I’m also buying a copy for a friend. Thanks for a truly beautiful book!

I am nine years old and I really liked it . And I think lots and lots of people will love it and that is a fact.

Disliked the book from first page. Didn’t even show to grandson. It was really quite upsetting. G’son is rather an emotional little boy (3) and this story would have really made him worry and he’d be in a terrible state. Returned.

Read this at bedtime story to drive home the fact that mummy & daddy love them even when they misbehave. We are all a little monster sometimes, but kids need to know that they are still loved by their parents even when they aren't behaving perfectly!This is perfect to support and drive the thought of "mummy & daddy love me no matter what" home to them!

Wasnt much of a fan of this one, my 4 yo son wasnt too keen either. Read it once and it has not been opened since. In truth we dont really have issues with him around his behaviour so I cant say it was hugely beneficial in helping him to understand that he can misbehave and still be a good boy- no more than us just simply explaining as much to him. I found the naughty things the monster did a bit on the extreme side too which made me uncomfortable... dont really want to give my children ideas on how to be naughtier.

This book is the first one I have found that shows to a child what being angry means without difficult metaphors that a child finds hard to understand (for example like in the colour monster). It explains to the child that he will continue being loved despite of his behaviour, and it shows a way to handle the meltdowns in a very tender and comprehensive way, highly recommended!! It really helps me with my son!!!