Milo's Monster

by Tom Percival

Overview

From the creator of Ruby Finds a Worry, a story about what to do when jealousy comes between friends.

Milo loves spending time with his best friend, Jay. But when a new girl named Suzi moves in next door, Milo starts to feel left out. The jealous feeling gets stronger and stronger—until suddenly, a GREEN-EYED MONSTER pops up beside him! Soon, the monster is twisting up all of Milo's thoughts and making him sad. It won't leave him alone!

Can Milo find a way to free himself from the monster and repair his friendship?

Warm and uplifting, Milo's Monster is an ideal starting point for helping children to build strong friendships and say goodbye to jealous feelings.

The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics — from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.

Read all the books in the Big Bright Feelings series!

Ruby Finds a Worry

Perfectly Norman

Ravi's Roar

Meesha Makes Friends

Tilda Tries Again

Milo's Monster

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781547615704
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	02/04/2025
Series:	Big Bright Feelings Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 11.81(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Tom Percival had an unconventional childhood in a remote and beautiful part of South Shropshire and these formative years are almost certainly what first got him interested in writing and drawing.

Tom is now a writer, artist, video producer and musician. He is the author of many bestselling picture books, including the six titles in his award-winning Big Bright Feelings for Bloomsbury (Perfectly Norman, Ruby's Worry, Ravi's Roar, Meesha Makes Friends, Tilda Tries Again and Milo's Monster). He lives in Gloucestershire with his partner, their two children and a dog called Luna.

tom-percival.com

@TomPercivalsays

Editorial Reviews

Sure to help young readers recognize—and reconcile with—their own green-eyed monsters.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A priceless lesson for any child—or adult—conveyed in a beautifully child-friendly manner . . . A valuable asset to the library of a child who experiences anxiety and a great book to get children talking about their feelings” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on RUBY FINDS A WORRY

“A captivating tale about happiness, being yourself, and the magic of learning to spread your wings and fly.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review, on PERFECTLY NORMAN

“The contrast of black-and-white illustrations with splashes of bright color complements the story's theme. . . . A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance” —Kirkus Reviews on PERFECTLY NORMAN

“Mr. Percival's digital artwork gives panache to a relatable tale of anger and reconciliation for children” —The Wall Street Journal on RAVI'S ROAR

“A great addition to highlight emotional awareness.” —School Library Journal on RAVI'S ROAR

From the Publisher

2022-10-26
Milo grapples with jealousy when a newcomer arrives.

Milo and his best friend, Jay, live next door to each other and are inseparable. But when Suzi moves in across the street, everything changes. Jay and Suzi are always laughing (loudly) together or playing, and Milo feels left out. The “squirmy feeling” inside him suddenly grows into a monster. Not only “a green-eyed monster,” but a bright green spiky splotch that radiates frustration with vectors and stars shooting out. The monster sticks with Milo, validating his anxieties (“IT’S NOT FAIR!” “Jay is YOUR friend, not Suzi’s!”) and encouraging irrational thoughts (“the monster hissed that they were having more fun without him”). Milo’s eyebrows furrow, and his hands clench; he’s the picture of anger and dejection. All of the color drains from his surroundings, the green of the monster popping against the gray setting. Luckily, Suzi breaks the monster’s hold by asking questions, highlighting the importance of communication. Percival’s over-the-top visuals will resonate with young readers, many of whom have likely been in Milo’s shoes and will appreciate seeing someone else conquer their green-eyed monster. Coping methods for when friendships feel a bit “wobbly” are appended in a letter from the author. Milo has slightly tanned skin, while Jay is brown-skinned, and Suzi is pale-skinned with bright red hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sure to help young readers recognize—and reconcile with—their own green-eyed monsters. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews