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Monsters Don’t Say Meep: Even the tiniest roar can make the biggest difference
This children’s book tells the story of Meep, a little monster who just can’t roar like the others at Monster Scare Prep School. Everyone around him belts out their big scary sounds, but poor Meep can only squeak his tiny “meep.” He tries everything, roaring in caves, wearing a pumpkin helmet, even stuffing his mouth full of gooey pumpkin guts, but nothing works. When the Monsters’ Ball goes wild with chaos and scared kittens, it’s Meep’s soft, sweet “meep” that saves the day. Turns out, his quiet voice is the one that really matters.
I loved this children’s story from the very first page. The writing feels playful and full of rhythm, like it’s meant to be read out loud with silly voices and giggles. The way author Bridgetta Tomarchio paints Meep’s struggle is both funny and heart-tugging. It captures how it feels to not fit in, especially when everyone else seems bigger, louder, or braver. The humor, pumpkin guts, fart sounds, and monster mishaps keep it light and fun, while the message sneaks up softly. It’s not about being the scariest; it’s about being yourself. And that “meep”? It’s adorable.
You can tell this story comes from a place of love, especially knowing it was inspired by the author’s son. The idea that our real voices matter, even when they sound different, is such a beautiful thing to teach kids. The vibrant and charming illustrations burst with playful energy, perfectly suited for a children’s picture book. It features a delightful cast of colorful monsters. The warm, bright color palette, combined with the monsters’ expressive faces, creates an inviting and positive atmosphere.
I’d totally recommend Monsters Don’t Say Meep for kids ages three to seven, or anyone who’s ever felt too small to be heard. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile and maybe tear up a little at the end. If you’ve got a shy kid, a loud kid, or any kid in between, this story belongs on your shelf. It’s got the kind of magic that makes bedtime stories worth staying up for.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0FQK4N98J
Embrace the Uniqueness
In Monstrously Clever, a young witch and her friends set out to create harmony between the monsters and mortals of their little town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had several goals with this book. 1) Make a wonderful Halloween tale. 2) Embrace the uniqueness of every person. It doesn’t matter what you look like or how different you are – it’s what is inside that counts. 3) In the times we are living in, I want children to embrace their differences and not have those traits used against them in a negative way.
Is there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in this book?
A) Well, Joe was actually based off a friend I had in first grade. She hated her name and her short hair. B) I love fairies. The book is about magic, and fairies have plenty of that. C) I’ve always seemed a little weird to my family because I embrace the unusual and strange. I actually had an uncle who “jokingly” called me a witch, so why not a witch in this book?
I find the artwork in Monstrously Clever to be quite mesmerizing; it really brings your story to life. Can you tell us a little about the collaboration you have with illustrator Christina Cartwright?
Monstrously Clever is my fourth children’s book collaboration with Christina Cartwright. I suspect that this was her favorite one to do because she has a very creative imagination, and I gave her a lot more leeway to let that imagination run free in this book. Fantasy is one of her favorite themes. I just LOVE how she envisions the world. As you stated, some of her work is just absolutely gorgeous. As a writer, I give her an idea of what I would like to see on the page, but I also am comfortable letting her loose to “imagine” wonderful worlds. I’m truly thankful that I found her website online and took a chance on her. I’ve not regretted it once. I can see us working harmoniously together for years, and with each book we do, the partnership becomes more seamless.
Can fans expect to see Book 4 in the series soon? What are you currently working on?
Christina and I are currently working on the 4th book in the Happy Tails series. It will be available within the next 7 days. It is a Christmas story about a very naughty elf who’s mad at Santa and goes out of his way to make the big guy’s life miserable. Thankfully, he has a change of heart at the end and embraces the true meaning of Christmas!
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It soon becomes clear, though, that other people’s goals are solely focused upon making sure some of her monstrous friends don’t enjoy this most spooktacular time of the year.
Monsters have always existed – in real life and in people’s imaginations, but they hadn’t always revealed themselves to humans because they knew that fear was a powerful motivator for many mortals. Monster Point is a town filled with monsters who have always lived together peacefully. Now that the supernatural population have become a reality to the mortal realm, the townsfolk have encouraged humans to come live amongst them and combine the best of both realms into a world that embraces the differences of everyone and still is capable of shining with the light of friendship, understanding, and compassion for all.
Change is hard for some people, though. Sometimes it is easier to embrace fear than it is to embrace hope. With a little magic and some clever manipulations, Mori and her friends set out to bring the town together to enjoy their Halloween and each inhabitant’s unique contribution to this great celebration of life.
Monstrously Clever (Happy Tails)
Monstrously Clever, by Michele L. Sayre, part of the Happy Tails Series, presents an engaging narrative set in Monster Point, a unique town where humans and monsters coexist peacefully. This children’s book centers on Mori, a young witch, who, along with her diverse group of friends including Daffodil the Fairy and Joe the Human, orchestrates the Halloween festivities. The story cleverly explores themes of acceptance and friendship in a world where not everyone embraces the idea of humans and monsters mingling.
Sayre’s writing effectively portrays the interactions between the magical and human realms, offering a narrative that champions diversity and inclusivity. These memorable characters, crafted with charm, navigate challenges and demonstrate that differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated as strengths. This message is subtly yet powerfully interwoven throughout the book, emphasizing that true friendship can transcend any obstacle.
The illustrations add depth and vibrancy to the narrative, with each page radiating life and emotion. The book also playfully nods to popular culture, as evidenced by a subtle reference to Stargate: SG-1, adding an additional layer of engagement for readers. The book culminates in a resonant message: individual choices and actions are pivotal in shaping a better world. Emphasizing the strength of friendship and the importance of embracing diversity, Monstrously Clever imparts a poignant and lasting impression.
Ideal for readers of all ages, this book is particularly well-suited for home reading or educational settings. It not only entertains but also imparts a meaningful lesson about the impact of tolerance and the beauty of diversity. Monstrously Clever invites readers to reflect on the significance of personal choice and the power of unity in creating a more accepting and inclusive world, possibly finding that the essence of Monster Point isn’t so far from our own reality.
Pages: 101 | ASIN : B0CN5BZ335
Spooky Oooky Dance Party
Spooky Ooky Dance Party by Lisa Jacovsky is a fun, Halloween-themed book for kids. It’s a beautifully illustrated story about a cat named Moon, who enjoys secret adventures with other animal friends. Moon explains how humans don’t know everything about their pets, and sometimes, they have powers or magical abilities that allow them to explore and enjoy things that are very different from their regular lives. The book focuses specifically on Halloween and how this celebration brings together Moon and friends for an extraordinary experience.
I found the book ideal for school-aged kids and enjoyed reading it to them and their friends. It’s engaging and imaginative by encouraging kids to create interesting stories about their own pets and the unusual but fun journeys they might embark on if they, too, had access to special places and powers. The tale is narrated, in part, from Moon’s perspective, and how easy it is to sneak outside the world of humans and into a different place with magic and new possibilities. During Halloween, these adventures become more special, along with seasonal costumes, decor, and themes.
I found the lively nature of the story and illustrations to be spectacular. The author does a great job of building excitement for the reader in anticipation of what’s next. The animal characters provide a fantastic tale that’s unique in that it shows how they celebrate Halloween in a different yet similar way to humans.
Spooky Ooky Dance Party by Lisa Jacovsky is a whimsical, creative story that’s ideal during Halloween or whenever it’s a good time to inspire young kids. The story features likable characters with colorful adventures and a positive theme throughout. I found the illustrations appealing and the book easy for kids to read and understand. I highly recommend this story to grade school teachers, parents, and daycare staff.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CD861FKD
LITERARY TITAN 