Leonardo the Terrible Monster is the book I used during my demo lesson for the pre-kindergarten position. It's a great book with awesome illustrations, unique characters, and an important life lesson about being a great friend. Every time I read this as a read aloud, I always bring out the plush doll of Leonardo to make the experience even more memorable. I highly recommend this book and plush to any teacher who appreciates a good read aloud. The follow up activity I go to after the reading is creating your own monster using various mediums such as blocks, clay, craft materials, and the old fashion drawings.
Leonardo the Terrible Monster is often over shadowed by Mo Willems' other fantastic characters such as the Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, Gerald and Piggie. But Leonardo will always hold a special place in my heart because of the importance the book's role at the start of my teaching career.