#BookReview: Poppy’s Monster, Shelly Higgs (author), Francesca Costa (illus.), Starfish Bay Children’s Publishing, April 2025.
Blurb:
When Poppy’s heart beats fast and her throat gets stuck, she knows her monster is around. She wishes he’d just go away, but only holding hands with someone seems to help. But there isn’t always a hand around to hold…
A story about overcoming anxiety.
Review:
A valuable, heartwarming picture book that gestures the warmth of a helping hand. Poppy’s Monster is just the BIG hug needed when the anxiety becomes a bit too overwhelming.
Author and Psychology-graduate, Shelly Higgs has penned this important tale, told with a gentle narrative that is both playful and acts as a guide to harnessing those sneaky Fear Monsters that sometimes debilitate us from our daily activities. In this case, Poppy is generally a brave, fun-loving young girl, but when it comes to school time, the monster unexpectedly overpowers her thinking and emotional space. For anxious children, Poppy’s visceral feelings of tight fingers and throat, loud heartbeats, and rapid breathing are all too familiar. The comfort of hand holding is only temporary, and despite the efforts of her family, teachers and friends, it’s up to Poppy to take the lead. With a courageous act, the monster changes form in her mind; its colours seeping, swirling, swishing and shrinking. And what she realises is, she isn’t alone in her feelings, and sometimes her little monster needs a bit of a helping hand from time to time, too.
This satisfying story takes us through all the feels – from the raw and uneasy ones to the comfort of relief and the strength of bravery. Young school children will easily relate to those worrisome moments in life that make their knees shake and tummies flutter, and here, Shelly Higgs provides an effective way to give a visual form to those physical and emotional responses. The illustrations by Francesca Costa are equally supportive, showcasing the juxtaposition of Poppy’s bright and brave boldness against the shadowy creature looming in her subconscious. That is until, of course, it all jumbles into a mix of colour as it turns into a pint-sized ball of cuteness! The use of fine lines and textured crayon-like technique adds a further touch of familiarity and child-friendliness to the all-so-recognisable childhood scenes.
Poppy’s Monster is the reassuring light we all need in the moments of darkness. Preparing children with the tools to manage feelings of anxiety in such a fun, relatable way is exactly what the monster ordered! Highly recommended for children aged four and up.
Review by Romi Sharp.
Please find Shelly Higgs at her website: www.shellyhiggs.com and on Instagram.
Please find Francesca Costa at her website: Francesca Costa Illustrator – Illustratrice di libri per bambini
Poppy’s Monster is available for purchase through Shelly’s website. More information at Starfish Bay Children’s Publishing.
IT’S A MONSTER OF A #BOOKGIVEAWAY!
Lend a helping hand to a friend! Click here for details on how to enter to WIN Poppy’s Monster!
All you have to do is tag a friend on Instagram and you’ll both go in the draw to win a signed copy, thanks to Shelly Higgs. Closing May 31st.
Come and take Poppy’s hand on this comforting journey with Poppy’s Monster and Shelly Higgs, empowering readers across the blogosphere!
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