Valentina and Monster

K-Gr 2–A heartwarming tale of a little girl, chalk-white and with flaming orange hair, who has to adjust to a loss in her life. Valentina, who suffers from nightmares, comes out of her house and spots a monster selling beautiful smelling bright pink cotton candy. They quickly become friends. When the clouds are gray she visits Monster in the forest where he and the other animals have dinner parties. Valentina and Monster enjoyed each other’s company. Their friendship blossoms. But one day Monster does not answer her calls, and the other animals comfort her: “We leave this world to start a new journey. It was Monster’s time to journey on.” By remembering the love of Monster for her, Valentina is able to put to rest her nightmares, and when she has a child of her own, there is a sense that Monster is out there, somewhere, watching her. The art is the centerpiece of this tale; the imagery of bright colors to dark grays capture the essence of the story. It’s a simple message, but fully resonant as it covers the passage of grief.