Stunning Exploration of the Boundaries of Acceptance.
Reader Views
The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.
REVIEWS
"Get ready for an unforgettable journey with Toby, a unique and lovable monster tired of hiding in the basement of Marymount Mansion. Halloween is the only time of year that he can safely roam free in the world. Toby decides to embark on a daring quest to escape his underground life and discover a world beyond his confined existence. With furry green skin and a scent like cotton candy, Toby is not your ordinary monster. The Monsters of Marymount Mansion would be the perfect addition to any children's library. Its message is essential for all children to learn and embrace. Author Gregory G. Allen has written an excellent life lesson children's book that delivers essential messages of diversity and inclusion. The characters are so well-developed that they will quickly warm your heart. This captivating book will soon become a favorite among children and adults."
-Suzie Housley for Midwest Book Review
"Superbly written and bold narrative…a thought-provoking and heartwarming story that will keep even the most reluctant readers glued. The story moves at an even pace with a great deal of world-building as the little monster takes in breathtaking scenes and the diversity around him comparing this with what he is accustomed to. The writer flavors his narrative with a graceful style and lucid prose bound to leave readers fulfilled and yearning for more. The cover page, beautifully illustrated by Shelby Goodwin, is eye-catching and arresting, creating an aura of prickling anxiety and mystery, accentuating the story herein.”
-Lily Andrews for Reader Views
“As a mom of two, I love stories that teach children how to understand and embrace differences and this one is a charming tale of a monster accepting what makes him unique. Peppered with quirky characters, holiday adventures, and even a plucky little sister, kids will connect to the adorable Toby and his friends.”
- Laura Benanti, Tony Award winning star of stage and screen (and Mom!)
"The Monsters of Marymount Mansion by Gregory G. Allen is an adventurous and delightful romp through the holidays as brave Toby and his sassy little sister explore the exciting world they have only spied on from the safety of their basement hideaway. Inventive and nuanced and charming and fun, this imaginative children’s story offers young readers a vivid adventure of discovery. Toby’s forays into the outside world reveal monsters as diverse as humans and show us that sometimes we have to be a little rebellious to discover what’s out there. I know this chapter book will find its way into the hearts of young readers."
- Glenda Burgess, Author of The Geography of Love, finalist, Books for a Better Life Award
"The Monsters of Marymount Mansion is an exciting children's chapter book that conveys messages of diversity and inclusion. The main character, Toby, takes us on his adventures and encourages the reader to explore their own curiosity. This is the perfect book for young readers to curl up under a blanket with this winter. Don't forget the hot chocolate!"
- Jennifer C. Kelly, Author of Fred Gets Frustrated
“Monsters is a beautiful story of courage, friendship and learning to accept yourself! This book is wonderful for children of all ages, whether they can read independently or as a read aloud. There are so many valuable lessons to be learned and it opens the door for great conversations with kids!”
-Danielle Jacob, 1st grade teacher and mom
Upcoming Events
09/23 Reading with Your Kids Podcast
10/9 The Phil Factor Blog Interview
10/10 *2 week Blog Tour Starts (Reviews, interviews, giveaways) <more info coming soon>
10/10 Passaic Arts Center (Book Launch) Hawthorne NJ
10/19 The American School of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
10/28 Here's The Story Books, Union, NJ
11/12 Hudson Valley Books for Humanity, Ossining NY
11/19 Jingle-fest Craft Fair, Wayne NJ
11/26 Wayne PAL Holiday Flea Market & Gift Fair Wayne, NJ
**These drawings are from a group of 1st graders who read the manuscript for The Monsters of Marymount Mansion and gifted me with their visions of how they believe the monsters look. This was all before Shelby Goodwin's illustrations for the chapter book have been completed, so they were using their OWN imagination. I love these!!!