The Monster Who Could Not Climb A Tree

MY THOUGHTS

If there is one thing you learn as a parent, it is that the easiest things are always the most difficult. Big issues from potty training to choosing the right school tend to sort themselves out. It is the little things — trying to figure out what your child is upset about, why he is so moody, or what to do when you know he is lying have the potential to keep you up at night.

That’s why I think this book is a godsend. The Monster Who Could Not Climb A Tree is about Avi, a young boy who has a terrible secret. He is struggling to come to terms with his parents adopting a little girl and forcing him to share his room with her. He feels his emotions get the better of him, and he loses his temper. When he does, he runs to his favourite Borsali tree because his anger, the monster that takes over his mind, cannot follow him there. The tree, with its beautiful branches, birds and squirrels, calms him down and provides a safe space for him. But now, Uncle Patel wants to chop the tree down to make space for his bungalow! Avi can feel the monster rising. What will happen to his tree, and will the monster take over his mind?

Tanya Majmudar writes a story that will manage to strike a chord with any child. There are so many things that can make a child angry — at the playground, at school, at home — and her story highlights the need for parents to be aware and sensitive to that fact. The way she shows the anger monster growing in Avi is relatable not just to children but grown-ups as well. The tree, as a metaphor for a calm environment, is done so beautifully that it tugs at your heart. Rajiv Eipe’s illustrations, especially of the gorgeous Borsali tree and its many inhabitants, envelop you in a warm hug and transport you under the expansive canopy. The Monster is red, angry, and sparky, rearing his head sometimes and slinking away when Avi gets a kind word. This book is an absolute stunner from the house of Kalpavriksh.

Buy yourself a copy of this book; this is essential reading and will not just help parents tame the monster but also help them have those difficult conversations with children. Perfect for children 6 and above because of its easy-to-read text and illustrations that accompany the text.