The Wanting Monster

By Martine Murray, Anna Luisa Read (Illustrator)

A monster sows envy in a village, threatening harmony. Can unity defeat it?

4.0/5 Goodreads · 93 ratings

76 pages

$19.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a quaint village, a mysterious monster whispers discontent, spreading envy and greed. As the villagers fall under its spell, even the stars vanish from the sky. Can they recognize the monster's true nature and unite to restore their community before it's too late? Discover the power of collective realization and the strength of coming together in this captivating tale of envy and redemption.

From the publisher

From award-winning author Martine Murray (dubbed Australia’s Kate DiCamillo) and artist Anna Luisa Read comes a timeless and timely tale about the monstrousness of envy, and every creature’s–even a monster’s–need for love. It starts with a whisper in your ear. A prickly feeling that something isn’t quite right. And it builds until a sneaky, possessive thought wriggles into your mind, and an insidious want burrows into your heart. Before you know it, you’re discontent, convinced that you’re owed more than what you’ve got. This is the work of the Wanting Monster. One day, the Wanting Monster arrives in a small village, but no one notices him, despite his antics. Feeling snubbed, he starts sowing discontent and envy of one’s neighbor. So infectious is the wanting and greed awakened by the Wanting Monster that even the stars are plucked, one by one, from the sky. Covetousness and distrust reign. Will the village people ever return to their senses? Will they ever learn that it’s the monster of wanting that’s been poisoning their minds? The Wanting Monster almost triumphs . . . fortunately, he is finally seen for what he is, and this recognition unleashes the purifying force of collective lamentation and a coming together to reroot and rebuild.

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