Publisher Description

Halley, Koby and Mimi have been sent a nanny to look after them while their parents are away. The only problem? Their nanny is a monster! Grah is enormous, hairy, dusty and doesn't talk. As the three siblings search for answers, they discover that other neighbourhood kids have also been left with similar creatures. So where did they all come from? With no parents around and the fate of their new nanny at stake, the Hellman kids must depend on each other as they solve the mystery of the monsters - and maybe even help them get back to their home.

Finnish author Tuutikki Tolonen seamlessly intertwines contemporary life with a world full of strange creatures in this warm, amusing and sweetly-moving story. Monster Nanny is at once a refreshing change of pace and a return to timeless adventure.

'A wonderful rollicking adventure!' Richard Roxburgh, award-winning author of Artie and the Grime Wave

'An exciting and hilarious read.' Anna Fienberg, award-winning author of Tashi

'A strange but entertaining romp that will surprise readers at every turn.' Publishers Weekly

Author Biography

Tuutikki Tolonen is the author of several acclaimed children's books, plays and academic articles. For Monster Nanny she received the Arvid Lydecken prize. She teaches creative writing and has worked as an editor and reporter at Vinski, Finland's only literary journal for children. Her inspiration for Monster Nanny was sparked during a family breakfast. She says, 'My son Leo, then six, said to me: "I heard on the radio yesterday that all mums have to go on vacation and monsters will take their places."'

Pasi Pitkanen has illustrated several books for children. He lives in Helsinki, Finland.

Review

'Themes of friendship and tolerance are woven in the thrilling and good-natured adventure. Monster Nanny has all the ingredients of a beloved children's classic.' Arvid Lydecken Prize jury

'Tuutikki's book won the Arvid Lydecken prize in Finland and will have wide appeal among young readers. Within its pages, children outsmart adults, sense the vulnerable emotions of the monsters, and come to depend upon themselves and new friends. Loose-lined ink illustrations add extra humor to this imaginative fantasy, and plentiful dialogue makes it prime for reading aloud.' Booklist

'A diverting and different read-aloud.' Kirkus

Long Description

Mary Poppins meets Where the Wild Things Are in this prize-winning book in which a contemporary family is turned upside-down when a hairy, earth-smelling creature said to be a trained nanny shows up at their doorstep. Soon to be a feature film. Halley, Koby and Mimi have been sent a nanny to look after them while their parents are away. The only problem? Their nanny is a monster! Grah is enormous, hairy, dusty and doesn't talk. As the three siblings search for answers, they discover that other neighbourhood kids have also been left with similar creatures. So where did they all come from? With no parents around and the fate of their new nanny at stake, the Hellman kids must depend on each other as they solve the mystery of the monsters - and maybe even help them get back to their home. Finnish author Tuutikki Tolonen seamlessly intertwines contemporary life with a world full of strange creatures in this warm, amusing and sweetly-moving story. Monster Nanny is at once a refreshing change of pace and a return to timeless adventure. 'A wonderful rollicking adventure!' Richard Roxburgh, award-winning author of Artie and the Grime Wave 'An exciting and hilarious read.' Anna Fienberg, award-winning author of Tashi 'A strange but entertaining romp that will surprise readers at every turn.' Publishers Weekly

Review Text

'Themes of friendship and tolerance are woven in the thrilling and good-natured adventure. Monster Nanny has all the ingredients of a beloved children's classic.' Arvid Lydecken Prize jury 'Tuutikki's book won the Arvid Lydecken prize in Finland and will have wide appeal among young readers. Within its pages, children outsmart adults, sense the vulnerable emotions of the monsters, and come to depend upon themselves and new friends. Loose-lined ink illustrations add extra humor to this imaginative fantasy, and plentiful dialogue makes it prime for reading aloud.' Booklist 'A diverting and different read-aloud.' Kirkus

Details