Book Title: Munni Monster
Author: Madhurima Vidyarthi
Published by: Penguinster
Published on: February 20, 2023
Genre: Early Middle Grade, Fiction
*This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program. There was no obligation to give this book a certain rating.
‘She was angry too, angry inside; about this unknown person who was being suddenly forced into her perfect life. That she would have to give up her room-her bed!-and share Thamma with this-this . . .’
Mishti’s life changes when her grandmother’s cousin Munni, who has cerebral palsy, comes to live with them. Her only thought is to make her leave, somehow.
But as time goes by, Munni shows strange endearing habits and when matters come to a crisis, Mishti is no longer sure that Munni is the monster she thought she was.
A funny moving story about a ten-year-old dealing with strange and difficult changes and disability, and above all, about love.
I love children’s books. It takes me back to my childhood when I loved discovering new things with a sense of wonder and astonishment. When I found this book on the Book Review Program by Blogchatter, I decided to check out the synopsis. It instantly melted my heart and I knew then that this was going to be a great read.
🔥🔥🔥“What’s Inclusive?”
“It means people who are different in any way – different from most of the other people, what is called the majority – should not be made to feel different. In any way. In the way, we see them or treat them or in the way we do things for them.”
Munni Monster is a brilliant story that introduces the genetic disorder called Cerebral Palsy to children. It explains in detail the emotional struggle and unfairness of society toward people with special needs.
Mishti lives with her parents and grandmother and she is the apple of their eyes. She has some of the most endearing habits and reading them makes your heart go Aww. The way she worked hard to get her Grandmom’s bed all to herself was one of the many moments that I loved.
However, her life goes topsy-turvy when Munni comes to live with them. Munni is her grandmother’s cousin
This book is everything you want your kid to know about Cerebral Palsy without being too overwhelming. It teaches you how to be gentle and empathetic to everyone around you including your parents and elders.
I especially loved how Mishti was a brilliant kid, mostly in the sense that she could realize the difference between right and wrong, or good and bad (not necessarily evil). She knew from subtle things her *best friend did to help her ward off Munni from her house, that it was still wrong. She began keeping her distance which really warmed my heart. Therefore, the book also focuses on the importance of having good friendships.
So, you can now understand how the author was able to influence us in picturing the story and feel the plethora of emotions in it.
I also loved the nuanced parenting methods opted for by Mishti’s parents. Especially, her dad when he skilfully schooled her by letting her feel like an adult while talking about money.
A must-read for children and adults alike, it is also an easy read. This story has covered such an important topic with all its tenderness and subtlety.
🌟Get the Book here:
In a gist, here’s what you can expect from this book.
💫Great story💫Engaging 💫Simple language
I hope you like this book as much as I did.
Yes! Loved how the story discussed an important topic like Cerebral Palsy with subtlety!
Have you read Munni Monster? I’d love to know your thoughts.
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hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
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Preeti Chauhan says
Firstly, I love the way you styled the book photography- very attractive. Munni Monster deserves a 5-star rating for its lovely cover, emotionally appealing theme, and empathetic writing.
Ambica Gulati says
I like children’s books too. They are so positive. And I like your review as it shows how a difficult subject like cerebral palsy is beautifully handled. Will check the book for sure.
Jeannine says
Great story line. easy to read and lessons to surely pick-up even at a young age! I love how young characters were used to make this story have a bigger impact on young readers as well.
Harjeet Kaur says
Children’s books have such interesting names. Munni Monster, for instance. Such a delicate subject handled so well. Your review is very candid and brings out the essence of the book, perfectly.
Flavia Cutinho says
I feel such topics need to be known and creative way of putting it is by releasing a bool and styling it the right way for people to understand. Cerebral palsy and many other know problem if brought in story form will be easier not only for kods but Adults as well to understand.
Samata says
Children books are just love for me. I not just love reading them even today but also feel stress free when I take a dip in the kids book world. I am trying my level best to download the same love for books in my child let’s see what happen next. The way you described and talked about the book it actually made me feel mesmerized …. lovely review style. The concept of the book is very good and the topic of cerebral palsy handled beautifully.
Anjali Tripathi says
Oh, this recommendation for a children’s book couldn’t have come at a better time! With summer vacations just around the corner, I’ve been racking my brain to find ways to keep my daughter engaged with a variety of storybooks. She’s a big fan of Sudha Murthy and Ruskin Bond, so I’m definitely ordering this book to see if it captures her imagination too. The thing is, I absolutely adore children’s books myself. I love reading with my daughter, and diving into the world of kids’ literature always brings me a sense of pure joy and stress-free bliss.
Madhu Bindra says
We need more books like these. The title of the book has the name monster. It is how society sees people with cerebral palsy. I haven’t read a children’s book in a long time. Reading your review, I want to pick it up too.
Madhu Bindra recently posted…Dhaba Style Soya Keema Masala
Kaveri Chhetri says
Such a detailed review Shalini, I am going to get the book for my girls. I really really want them to read it as I want to teach them empathy and what better way than hough a story. Thank you for the review.
Dipali Bhasin says
I love the story line and how the equation changes between Munni and Mishti. In intricate detail, the book delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals with special needs. Great review!
Manisha Garg says
Touching about a medical condition through a children’s book is a great way of putting things across to our little ones. I will surely like my daughter to this one.
Manisha Garg recently posted…Bollywood Songs – Old is Gold
Ritu Bindra says
Books such as these help shape our tomorrow. We need more such inclusive books. Loved the storyline and something a child would relate to. As always, your review is perfectly balanced.
Varsh says
I like children’s books for the simplicity with which they deal with issues that we adults make a hue and cry about. The plot is surely endearing and will bring out vulnerabilities of each character beautifully. I’m curious to know how Mishti understands Munni’s situation and accepts her presence in their lives.
Janaki says
Sometimes, its good to read children’s books. They convey intense topics in a simple way. Thanks for your review, Its draws at the heartstrings!!
Sivaranjini Anandan says
children accepting people who are different from them is a way of making them understand the world better. I also prefer children’s books as they help us appreciate life as it is.
Docdivatraveller says
The title sounds so intriguing! I love the cover illustration too! Really interested in this book after reading your review!
Vasumathi DS Ponday says
Such a sensitive topic and written for kids too. Will make them understand and accept different people. Infact I think it will be a good read for elders too.
Aastha says
I have read Munni Monster and loved it❤️
Aditi Kapur says
Children have their fantasy world where they weave fictional stories. This book seems to be based on similar lines. Loved the title “Monster Munni”, it must be an interesting book for children.
Tulika says
This sounds like an interesting read on so many fronts. When a book can talk about serious ideas like inclusivity without being preachy, it’s a definite win.
Tulika recently posted…Day and night and a matter of perspectives
Noor Anand Chawla says
Sounds like a lovely read!