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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
LITERARY TITAN 