2.5/5.0

"Are You a Hungry Monster?" by Guilherme Karsten is a simple, illustrated children’s book aimed at introducing young readers to the concept of hunger, food and emotions through an engaging and playful narrative. While the premise of a hungry monster searching for food could have made for an entertaining and educational experience, the execution falls short of its potential.

The story revolves around a monster who is searching for something to eat. As it encounters various food items, the book encourages young readers to think about what kinds of foods the monster might prefer or how it reacts to different foods. The illustrations are colorful and engaging and the characters are whimsically designed, which will likely capture the attention of children in the age range of 3-6 years old.

However, the story feels overly simplistic, even for a picture book. The plot lacks depth, and the monster’s hunger is resolved too quickly without much build-up or resolution. The repetition of the theme—hunger and food—while accessible to younger children, doesn’t offer much substance for older readers or those seeking a more imaginative or complex story.

Additionally, the book’s rhythm and flow sometimes feel disjointed. There are moments where the narrative stalls, and the repetition of phrases can make the reading experience feel like it's dragging on. While repetition is often a useful tool for younger readers, in this case, it can feel a bit tedious.

Ultimately, it has some redeeming qualities, especially in its vibrant artwork and simple premise. However, for those looking for a more engaging, multi-layered children’s story, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a fine book for very young readers, but it doesn't offer much in terms of depth or lasting impact.

4 out of 5 stars! Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/Happy Yak for this eARC book of Are You a Hungry Monster by Guilherme Karsten.

Super cute and got my boys giggling! I like how the art takes up the whole page and got my youngest son to engage through the story. I like how silly this was and definitely became a family favorite before bedtime.

Super cute and so glad we got the chance to read this! Thank you!

This was a really funny book that will get some laughs out of anyone. The art takes all over the pages, which makes it immersive and add a playful touch to the whole book. It's engaging and entertaining.

An interactive picture book full of questions and a dialogue with the reader. Full of gross things like earwax and farts, young readers are sure to enjoy this book and have a good laugh.

This was a good book. We meet a monster who is ready to make one of their favorite snacks. They are hoping to share it with a new friend. Yet they are surprised when this friend doesn’t seem thrilled about what they are making. They add something to the snack for them, and it turns out not agreeing with them. As this book comes to a close, the monster learns a great lesson. Some kids will have a lot of fun reading this book.

We love those fun and silly stories that keep us giggling. This is one of those and quickly became a family favorite. If you're hungry this fun little monster wants to help make you the perfect snack. You do like to eat earwax and old shoes don’t you? Oh, well that is what our monster friend's special recipe calls for. He even tries to give you some onion juice to go with it. He thinks that liking pasta and fruit is gross. How silly. Such a fun book to read with your little ones. The simple illustrations really create the perfect scene for our story. You don’t know what you're in for! Soon to be a fun family favorite. Enjoy it with your little ones.

My kids thought this book was hilarious! It was funny and really had them thinking like it was a game of would you rather game but more deep!

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book for my students. This is an adorable story, just like the sleepy time story. However, I think for my students, it would be confusing in the plot. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

Cute, funny story that brought a smile to my face. The illustrations were bright and fun to look at making this a perfect children's book.

My 5 year old loved this book so much that he has asked us to buy it for his bookshelf when it releases! This book gave us so many laughs at story time. There was enjoyment from all of the kids! Such a silly book for children ages 2-9 ti enjoy!

This book was so fun with adorable illustrations and I'm sure kids are going to love it! I loved seeing the monster make his sandwich and I loved how creative all the ingredients are. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Cute, funny and some laugh out loud moments.

Really enjoyed the emphasis on those gross food options and I know kids will love having to say how much they wouldn't want to eat a slimy maggoty sandwich!

Great fun!

Free copy provided by Netgalley.

Silly fun for kids of any age complete with funny illustrations!
The illustrations by the author are simple, very colorful, and FUN.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Happy Yak via NetGalley. Thank you!
Avail Jan 21, 2025 #AreYouaHungryMonster by Guilherme Karsten #NetGalley
@QuartoPublishingGroup @FrancesLincoln @HappyYak #SillyFun @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org Ages 3-5 yrs @bookshop_org_uk @CBCBook

Deliciously funny, interactive picture book which will leave little monsters/readers giggling. Great fun!

This is a cute and silly picture book and a lovely addition to the other two! Kids LOVE farts so this will make a lot of kids giggle like crazy!

Once again love that this book talks directly to the reader!

All my elementary school students will be laughing out loud at this tale.
How fun to see a monster and his take on a delicious meal. The comparison between the monster's diet and the reader's diet will be quite a contrast and quite funny. The sound effects written in bold script is sure to send everyone into hysterics.
Sure to be a hit!

This book had us giggling and smiling the whole time. It’s full of silly words and concepts that the kids loved. After reading my kids were presenting to be monsters all night long.

A fun, interactive story that offers great vocabulary development and descriptive illustrations. My young children giggled throughout, as the monster insists on sharing a ‘delicious’ monster snack! This is a wonderfully engaging picture book for all young children.
With thanks to Quarto Publishing for the digital review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

This was a cute story with perfect humor and a variety of questionable snack items included. The art style is adorable, the pages dynamic and interesting for kids to look at, and the monster is incredibly expressionate. Depending on the age of the children the farting references at the end may be a touch inappropriate, but this is otherwise a great and colorful book!

What a fun book!!
What happens when you overeat something that might not be the best for you? I will let our hungry monster tell you [in his hilarious way] and you can laugh your way through this marvelous book.
Kids and adults alike will love this book, it's great illustrations, and will spark some fun [and important] discussions.
Very well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Guilherme Karsten, and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Happy Yak for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.