Messy Monkeys

Messy Monkeys is a book about the feelings that can get in the way, disturb, distract, and frustrate a small child, and the techniques she uses to calm them. Everywhere Macy goes, messy monkeys are there to ruin her day. They're in her bed when she's trying to sleep, at the table when she's eating her cereal, and even hovering over her when she's in class. These messy monkeys are always making noise, pinching her and squeezing her. What is she going to do. It seems hopeless until she has an idea. She decides to stop and listen to them, and in doing so, she hears what they need. Some want a hug. Others are afraid. And still more just want to know she cares. All they wanted was her attention. When she listens to the monkeys, Macy learns to love and accept each one of them, and then she can finally quiet her mind. Written by Sabrina Andonegui and illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti, Messy Monkeys. is a colorful exploration of a child's emotions and the way she learns to listen to each one. This is a book that's not only playful and fun, it's a helpful guide to both children and parents struggling with the noises in their heads. It's a gentle hand in a sea of chaos that many will find useful, and an important message about the mental health of children.