Messy Monkeys by Sabrina Andonegui

Messy Monkeys is a book about the feelings that can get in the way, disturb, distract, and frustrate a small child, and the techniques she uses to calm them.

Everywhere Macy goes, messy monkeys are there to ruin her day! They're in her bed when she's trying to sleep, at the table when she's eating her cereal, and even hovering over her when she's in class. These messy monkeys are always making noise, pinching her and squeezing her. What is she going to do? It seems hopeless until she has an idea. She decides to stop and listen to them, and in doing so, she hears what they need. Some want a hug. Others are afraid. And still more just want to know she cares. All they wanted was her attention! When she listens to the monkeys, Macy learns to love and accept each one of them, and then she can finally quiet her mind. Written by Sabrina Andonegui and illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti, Messy Monkeys is a colorful exploration of a child's emotions and the way she learns to listen to each one.

This is a book that's not only playful and fun, it's a helpful guide to both children and parents struggling with the noises in their heads. It's a gentle hand in a sea of chaos that many will find useful, and an important message about the mental health of children.

Sabrina Andonegui was born in Mexico City and lived in Mexico until she moved to Indiana in 2012. She has a degree in Psychology from Universidad Intercontinental. Sabrina worked several years in early childhood development, helping toddlers to enhance their intellectual, social and motor skills.

A stay-at-home mom to her two children, Sabrina is in the process of reinventing herself. Her passion in learning about human emotions led her to create workshops and conferences that aid parents and children to identify their own feelings and how to express them in a healthy way.

Lea Marie Ravotti was born in the Czech Republic and graduated with a Master's degree in Art Education and Art History. Her passion is in picture books and she regards them to be art galleries for children. She collects them and joyfully offers them as gifts to everyone around her. Lea Marie resides with her husband and their three girls in Pennsylvania.