The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Written by Gregory G. Allen
Illustrated by Shelby Goodwin
Ages 7+ | 128 Pages
Publisher: ASD Publishing | ISBN-13: 9780996102940
Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.
Available for purchase on: Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor. His children’s books include Chicken Boy: The Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut! He is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Dramatist Guild. The idea for his monster book goes back to the first musical he ever wrote, which was produced for the stage when he was 15, with the message that it’s okay to be different.
For more information, visit gregsimagination.com.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Shelby Goodwin is an illustrator, letterer, graphic designer, and all-around creative living in Hoboken, NJ. She is extremely passionate about children’s media and the power of art to romanticize the everyday. When she is not making things, she can be found with her spouse and three cats exploring new places, eating pastries, or cuddling up in her favorite reading chair.
For more information, visit heartonmysleevedesign.com.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write The Monsters of Marymount Mansion?
Gregory G. Allen - When I was 14, I wrote a Halloween musical for a children’s theater company all about Halloween characters that had to live in the basement of a hotel and could only come out once a year. The past ten years I have visited schools talking about my first two kids’ books on autism awareness (sharing the message not to fear children with autism because they’re different) and one time I had an “Ah-ha” moment while talking at a school. It hit me that I’ve been sharing the message that it’s “ok to be different” since I was 14. So I decided to revisit a 30 year old story and give it a fresh spin for today. (Also since I couldn’t really remember all the plot points from back then and sadly I don’t have a script from that show.)
Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope children learn from reading The Monsters of Marymount Mansion?
Gregory G. Allen - I want all children to know that they are not alone when they feel different from others. That difference is what makes them unique and special! As Toby the monster learns self-acceptance, I hope kids reading it will do the same.
Life Is What It's Called - What is the overall theme of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion?
Gregory G. Allen - There are a few woven in, but I would say Shakespeare said it best in Hamlet...to thine own self be true. Why is it important to have children's books with inclusion?
I think most children go through moments where they feel they don’t fit in a certain situation...and this can be for so many reasons: a handicap they might have, a broken family, or having to wear glasses...it can be big or small but to that child it’s always big. So I think it’s wonderful when kids can see themselves in a book. A quick story: My last picture book was turned into a short film and when the young Indian actress saw the book the film was based on she said “She looks like me” as we made sure all the children in the book included all nationalities. It melted by heart when that young actress said that to me.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you think children will like most about The Monsters of Marymount Mansion?
Gregory G. Allen - I’m lucky to have had some children as beta readers and I got amazing feedback from them. So I know they love the adventures that Toby goes on. They like his relationship with his little sister. They love that there is a human that cares for him and treats him as a kid instead of a monster. Oh...and that he smells like cotton candy when he farts. ;-)
Life Is What It's Called - What was your experience writing it?
Gregory G. Allen - I wrote on social media last fall that I would have this book out by this fall to hold myself accountable. It was such a joy to return to a story that germinated thirty years ago, but allowed for so much growth and change and became what it is today. I honestly thought I was going to write another picture book, but our little monster Toby just had too much more to say and do to fit into a shorter story.
Life Is What It's Called - What else should readers know about you or The Monsters of Marymount Mansion?
Gregory G. Allen - I think people should know that all my children’s books are about championing the person (or squirrel or monster) that steps outside what is expected of them and to try something new. I think all kids should be encouraged to follow whatever passion it is they have and to go for it. Success is measured in many ways. I may not be a household name, but I feel I’ve had a successful career and I hope the same thing for every reader who picks up one of my books.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion, a signed paperback copy of each of the author’s previous picture books** (Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy: A Superhero with Autism Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut!), and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy other books! **All books teach children not to fear those who are different and to be proud of themselves FOR those differences.
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
- A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism
- A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: A Superhero Deals with Doctors and Dentists
- A signed paperback copy of Irving the Theater Nut
- A $50 Amazon Gift Card
- A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
The Monsters of Marymount Mansion: Book Giveaway
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