ENCOGER EL MONSTRUO DE LOS MIEDOS

A Spanish-language picture book about confronting monsters that draws on cognitive behavioral therapy practices.

Brooklyn and Jackson are two White cousins haunted by a monster who targets their insecurities; Brooklyn says its presence gives her headaches. The pair decide to investigate how to defeat it, donning Sherlock Holmes–like detective outfits. The monster—a green, furry creature—thrives on negativity and grows bigger when children feel sad. However, after Brooklyn and Jackson tell each other what the monster said, they realize its taunts aren’t true. They confront the monster, shouting affirmations that they’re comfortable with themselves, which causes it to shrink; other, diverse children stand up for themselves, as well. Appendices offer additional ways to use the book to help children manage stressors. Child psychologist and debut author Baird and veteran children’s author Galbraith preface their children’s book with a detailed explanation about the benefits of CBT and how it can be applied to help children cope with anxiety. Their creation of a monster character effectively aims to help children externalize their fears and thus better confront and overcome them. Barrett’s full-color illustrations are vivid throughout. However, many lack backgrounds; the kids, text, and monster are shown alone against a white page, which doesn’t always align with the tense tone.

A thoughtful, research-backed tale about helping kids recognize and break negative thought cycles.