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Where’s My Monster?
There is a family of monsters, the Archon Family, and they are very hungry. There are five of them, Mamma, Papa, Calvin, Aurora, and Bryce. This family does not eat food, instead, they eat fear. To find their food they hide in children’s rooms and scare them as they come yelling “BOO.” They do this to a little boy and he runs away. But the monsters are still hungry so they wait for another child to come in.
Lucy is curious and decided to investigate these monsters, but she brings a candle with her to light the way. When she enters she is not afraid of the monsters, they are afraid of her! Then something amazing happens, the monsters are no longer hungry. The warmth and light fill them up and no one is afraid anymore.
Where’s My Monster written by Wendy Monica Winter and illustrated by Yulia Popova is a delightful picture book with an important message for children. The message that love is stronger than fear is present and illustrated in a creative manner that will engage young children.
Yulia Popova’s watercolor illustrations are vibrant and memorable. The image of Aurora is my favorite with the little bows tied below each of her five eyes. Aurora is the first one to go to the light and exclaim how it is comforting to her. The joy and innocence that radiates from this illustration are magical and children will pick up on it right away.
The quote from Martin Luther King Jr at the end sums up the story perfectly. Love will drive out darkness, you can not find light from more darkness and hate. Winter has taken this concept and created a children’s book that they can relate to and understand the message. Facing hate and darkness to show others how fulfilling it can be to live in the light, to show kindness and acceptance, is an extraordinary message. This beautifully written story is presented on a level that even preschoolers and kindergarteners can grasp the concept.
Where’s My Monster is a well-crafted picture book combining a meaningful message and remarkable illustrations. The combination makes this a perfect book for teachers, schools, and caregivers. With a secular approach, it is sure to be a welcome addition to help teach kindness and compassion.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B09MSX18JW
Found Within Ourselves
Where’s My Joey? is a heartwarming story following a mother Kangaroo searching for her lost joey. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My inspiration to write this book came while teaching in Perth, Australia in 2007. Photos with the first draft of this story were sent to my young nieces in America a furry kangaroo photo album and they loved it.
The art in this book is beautiful and detailed. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Roxana Antochi?
It is wonderful to work with Roxana. She far exceeded my expectations with the detailed research she put into every aspect of her gorgeous illustrations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme (spoiler alert) is for me the profound wisdom that what we are truly looking for can only be found within ourselves.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have written the first draft of my second book. It will be a picture book about the nature of light and dark. Roxana and I are not pursuing it yet because we still have many plans for Where’s My Joey?. The coloring book was recently released. We are currently working on a hardcover version as well publishing the book in other languages.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Who will help Mother Kangaroo in Canada? Do Moose or Bear or Beaver have any clues? Where’s Joey? Read and find out!
Written by a teacher who lived in Australia, this book is entertaining, engaging, and educational on many levels. (It has a secret spiritual message for those who want to discover it.) Filled with beautiful illustrations and a beautiful story, this is a book all ages will enjoy.
This is a book you will treasure for years and enjoy with your children (or grandchildren) again and again.
Where’s My Joey?: A heartwarming bedtime story for children of all ages
![Where's My Joey?: A heartwarming bedtime story for children of all ages by [Wendy Monica Winter, Roxana Antochi]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61c90ofjGaL._SX260_.jpg)
Where’s My Joey? by Wendy Winter is a heartfelt children’s story of a mother kangaroo that’s lost her Joey! She travels all over Australia looking for him. She talks to everyone, Mr. Echidna, the Kookaburra Family, even friends in Canada! As her Joey’s dinner grows cold, she worries that she may not find him.
Author Wendy Winter’s story is filled with adorable characters that were very emotive throughout the story, which is important to help children learn to recognize emotions. Each page is covered top to bottom illustrations that have a soft color pallet that compliments that overall soothing feel of the story. The pictures are beautiful, detailed, and some of them are ready to frame and hang up on the wall as art. I’m thinking of two scenes specifically; the one where the mother and her joey are sitting and reading together, and the map of Australia. These are amazing art pieces all on their own and the map of Australia helps the reader learn where certain animals live, and the geography.
The plot of the story sends the mother kangaroo on a hunt that serves as a great opportunity to introduce children to different types of interesting animals. It reminds me of the P. D. Eastman book ‘Are You My Mother’.
Where’s My Joey? is a cute and entertaining story packed with loveable characters and vibrant scenes. Where’s My Joey? is the most heartwarming and educational picture book I have read all year.
Pages: 31 | ASIN: B08L27P6NZ
LITERARY TITAN 