Book

Go Away, Big Green Monster!

by Ed Emberley

📖 Overview

Go Away, Big Green Monster! uses die-cut pages to introduce and then dismiss the features of a monster's face. The book employs a simple color palette focused on bold primary colors against black backgrounds. Each page turn reveals or removes a new element through cut-out shapes in the pages. The text follows a clear pattern with straightforward language that builds and then reverses. The format allows young readers to take control of the monster by naming and then banishing its parts one by one. This picture book addresses common childhood fears through direct engagement and a sense of empowerment.

👀 Reviews

Parents and educators report the book helps children face fears through its interactive die-cut pages and empowering message. Teachers note it works well for classroom read-alouds and learning body parts. Readers liked: - Die-cut pages build anticipation - Children can participate by saying "go away" to monster parts - Simple text that young kids can memorize - Teaches facial features and colors - Works for ages 2-6 Readers disliked: - Some found it too simple/repetitive - A few mentioned the monster face can scare sensitive children - Paper quality makes pages vulnerable to tearing Ratings: Amazon: 4.8/5 (6,800+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (12,700+ ratings) Parent review: "My 3-year-old went from being scared of monsters to confidently telling them to go away." Teacher review: "Perfect for circle time - the kids love watching the monster appear and disappear."

📚 Similar books

There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Maurice Sendak A child confronts fears at bedtime by facing an imagined monster who turns out to be more scared than scary.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems A small monster learns monsters need not be frightening after failing at scaring others.

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll A boy discovers he cannot sleep when his regular under-the-bed monster takes a vacation.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak A child's bedroom transforms into a world of monsters who crown him king.

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone Grover attempts to prevent readers from reaching the end of the book where a monster waits.

🤔 Interesting facts

🎨 Ed Emberley has illustrated more than 80 books during his career, and this vibrant monster tale became one of his most beloved works after its release in 1993. 👶 The die-cut pages were specifically designed to help children feel empowered, as they can actively "make the monster disappear" piece by piece. 🌈 The book was inspired by Emberley's granddaughter, who was afraid of monsters. He created it to help her and other children face their fears in a playful way. 🏆 The book has won multiple awards, including being named an American Library Association Notable Children's Book and receiving the California Young Reader Medal. 📚 The success of this book led to the creation of several companion books, including "Nighty Night, Little Green Monster" and "Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug!"