My mother and sister both can take all of the credit for discovering Amanda Noll's fantastic children's book, I Need My Monster. After noticing that the little boy in the story looks just like Ethan right down to the unruly hair, they flipped open the book only to discover that his name actually was Ethan, too! I was gifted a copy of this book by my sister who was eager to point out the fact that Ethan's little illustrated mirror image was also named Ethan. I won't lie, it was pretty cool. Ethan and I then read the story and it soon became a favorite for other reasons, too.
In a world where so many children's book plots are recycled and retold after changing minor details here and there, Amanda Noll totally creates her own world and unique story. It begins when Ethan finds a note from the monster who lives under his bed, Gabe, saying that he's gone fishing. How can Ethan stay in his bed and get any sleep without Gabe there to scare him from getting out of bed?! Ethan soon realizes he needs his monster, a revelation he comes to through a cute story and delightful illustrations. The reader then meets a slew of quirky characters as Ethan waits for Gabe to return.
The storyline is so unique and digs deep into the heart of what children's literature should be. Amanda Noll's imagination and love for what she does shines through in her words and draws you into the story. This is a story that both my husband and I love reading to Ethan (though he's admittedly better at the monster voices than I am) and also really love ourselves. It's been a while since I've found a children's book that is so unique and different from the others on the market, full of fresh ideas and a storyline that just entraps you. Everyone has a "special book" that gets a little more attention than the others and this is definitely that book in our family.
I had a chance to interview Amanda Noll, author of I Need My Monster, who also offered to host a fabulous giveaway on my blog. As a huge literary buff and former creative writing major, can I just say how starstruck I was while getting to know Amanda?!
You Are The Roots: Describe yourself in five words.
Amanda Noll: Quirky, Curious, Stubborn, Dreamy and Distracted.
YATR: "I Need My Monster" is your first picture book. Do you plan on
writing more picture books in the future?
AN: Yes, but finding a publisher who thinks they’re as wonderful as I do
has been a challenge. As the economy improves and publishers feel more
comfortable with new writers I’m optimistic I’ll have more stories out
there.
YATR: What other genres (young adult, etc.) do you write and when can we
look forward to reading more of your work?
AN: I have written middle grade and young adult novels. I wouldn’t expect
to see them on the store bookshelves anytime soon.
YATR: Your website says you're a mom to 4 kids! What are their ages?
AN: I have two boys and two girls. My oldest is 17 and my youngest is
about to turn 7. This year will be the first time they’re all in
school full time!
YATR: What is one thing that we'd be surprised to learn about you?
AN: I graduated from high school *twice*. Because I emigrated from Australia when I was a teenager, I ended up attending two different high school systems. I actually graduated from Australia high school, and then came to the USA and graduated from American high school.
YATR: Where did you get the inspiration for the character of Ethan from
"I Need My Monster?" Where did you get the inspiration for the plot in
general?
AN: I just want to preface this response with an explanation. My youngest
was only about 6 months old and not sleeping through the night. We’d just moved homes and hosted Thanksgiving for out of state family. It stated by wishing my 3 year old would have a monster under her bed so she would stay in bed. Then wondering why the monster was doing such a lousy job (because she was out of bed again!). Then I imagined even monsters needed a break.
YATR: What is the most rewarding part about writing children's literature?
AN: Visiting with children who have read the book and enjoy talking about
their own monsters.
YATR: What book are you reading right now?
AN: I never read just one book at a time. Right now I’m in the middle of:
Finnikin of the Rock, Children of the Promise - Rumors of War, Poppy and Rye, The Sea Flower and XAM West-E Test Prep.
YATR: I know that "I Need My Monster" will go down as one of my Ethan's
most beloved childhood books. What children's book makes you think of
your childhood?
AN: Blinky Bill, Dot and the Kangaroo, the Five Chinese Brothers and the
Madeline books.
YATR: What is your favorite activity to do with your children?
AN: We love to cook! It gets easier as they get a bit older. To support myself in university I worked in a chocolate factory and have always been enamored with unique food. I created "cake toes" from cake truffles to celebrate the release of the book. I chose to make toes, because they’re a monster’s favorite snack.
How To Buy: "I Need My Monster" by Amanda Noll can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other book retailers.
Two winners will have the chance to each win an autographed copy of I Need My Monster along with a matching autographed bookmark and a monster activity sheet to accompany the story!
MANDATORY ENTRY: Make sure your e-mail address is visible or included in your comment!
- You MUST be a follower of You Are The Roots on GFC (Google Friend Connect) to be eligible for entry!
- Comment and let me know your most beloved book from your childhood!
- Like You Are The Roots on Facebook and leave me a comment with your name (first name, last initial) or URL so this can be verified!
- Like I Need My Monster on Facebook and leave me a comment with your name (first name, last initial) or URL so this can be verified!
- Tweet the following message (can be done once a day for one entry a day) and comment with the link to the tweet: #WIN an autographed copy of children's book I Need My Monster! #giveaway 9/26 US. http://tinyurl.com/3wx8jb2
- Share this giveaway on your Facebook (can be done once a day for one entry a day) and comment with the link!
- Enter another one of my giveaways and leave a comment here letting me know which one you've entered (one entry per additional giveaway entered)
- Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs (look to the left to see the buttons) - counts as one entry, can be once a day. Leave me a comment to let me know you've voted!
- 5 Entries - Blog about this giveaway. Comment (one comment for each entry, 3 total) with a link to where I can find your blog entry.
- 5 Entries - Grab my button and comment (one comment for each entry, 2 total) with a link to where I can find it.
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
