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. Messy Monkeys is a colorful exploration of one child’s struggle with messy feelings she sees as monkeys. Written by Sabrina Andonegui and illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti, it takes us into the world of Macy, a young girl with a big problem. Everywhere she 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. What is she going to do? It seems hopeless until an idea comes to her. These messy monkeys are always making noise, pinching her and squeezing her. They want her attention, so she decides to give it to them by listening, 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. Listening to them calms the monkeys down, and becomes a tool for Macy to quiet her mind.

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.