Although the concept of a little monster who doesn’t quite fit in at Monster School because she’s a little too sweet is kind of cute, it really didn’t connect for me. I guess I don’t see the fun in a monster girl who likes stereotypical little girl things. The illustrations were cute, though.

Hardcover, borrowed from my public library.

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My 2.5yo LOVES this book. She giggles madly every time it gets to the gross parts. "What else do you want to say?" I ask her. "I want to say ... that I like it! 'WELCOME STUDENTS!'" she roars, quoting a line from the book. "Do you have anything else you want to say about the book?" I prompt. "I love it!" "Anything else?" She shakes her head no. ( )

Mostly Monsterly was a fantastic book! The main character, Bernadette, is a young monster who doesn't like to be scary and mean. Instead of growling she would rather bake and pick flowers and when she starts school she feels very different among all the other monsters. This book was excellent because of it's story premise and the eye-catching illustrations. The story's premise is unique, and creates an interesting read. The setting, which is a monster school, is hilarious and captures a reader's attention right away. Instead of reading and math, they have growling lessons and how to lurch correctly classes. This story creates a whole different monster world that reflects a human child's world, which is an amazing feat to me because it makes the book relatable to the reader. The pictures in this book are colorful and great, but the real reason I loved them was because of the drawings of the other monsters. It is clear so much detail was put into these monsters because each ones is unique and specially colored. There is a monster with 3 heads and another monster that looks like a bird and dragon mixed together! Overall, this book was a delight to read and the overall message was powerful as well. It reminds the reader that even if you are different and feel like you don't belong you should embrace what makes you unique. ( )

This is a great story that points out that characters don't always act like you think they would based on what they look like. Also a nice way to teach how actions define a character in storytelling.

Successful - just as cute as the blurb & cover picture promise, and the theme is effectively presented, too.  I love that, though monsters are usually thought of as a 'boy thing' Bernadette's personal interests are stereotypically 'girl things.'  It didn't quite wow me enough to want more by author or illustrator, but I do recommend you check it out from your library if it intrigues you. ( )