Munni Monster
'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 really 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.
Book Review
Rati Girish
@madhurimavidyarthi's latest Munni Monster is about 10-year-old Mishti whose idyllic life with her parents and her grandma, Thamma is upended by the arrival of Munni. She now has to share Thamma, her home, and even give up her beloved bed for Munni. She hasn't seen anything or anyone like her before and wants her gone. A sudden turn of events pushes the family to a breaking point. Will Mishti find it in her heart to love Munni and what will she learn along the way?
This book is as tender as it is powerful. Madhurima keeps it real and doesn't shy away from writing about things that happen to real families. This book will resonate differently at every age and leave an impact long after they are done reading. Disclaimer: Be prepared to have meaningful conversations and answer difficult questions about disabilities, money issues, peer pressure and so much more!
Highly recommend for kids 8+
Shalini
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.
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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, her Grandmother’s cousin with Cerebral Palsy, comes to live with them.
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This book is everything you want your kid to know about this condition without being too overwhelming. It teaches you how to be gentle and empathetic to everyone around you including your parents and elders.
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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. 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.
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Books like these must be read by children and adults alike.
Christeena
"Munni Monster" by Madhurima Vidyarthi is about a young girl named Mishti whose perfect life changes when her grandmother's cousin Munni, who has cerebral palsy, comes to live with them. Initially, Mishti is angry about having to share her room and her grandmother with Munni and sees her as a monster. However, as time goes by, Mishti starts to see Munni's endearing habits and realizes that Munni is not the monster she thought she was.
The book's focus on a child's perspective of dealing with disability and difficult changes makes it interesting. The book also explores the themes of inclusion,love, acceptance, and family. Additionally, the book has a funny and moving storyline that can appeal to both children and adults.
I loved how the whole family was making room to adjust for Munni. In a world where people try to abandon the disabled, Misti's family teaches her to be empathetic and inclusive by setting example through their own life.
Illustrations by Tanvi Bhat makes the book more charming. Overall,its a short but amazing book for both kids and adults alike. Recommended!
