Using Monsters To Encourage Self-Love: Alex Mitchell Dares Young Readers To "Go Ahead, Be A Monster!" In Her New Poem Picture Book

Press Release • May 28, 2013

In "Go Ahead, Be A Monster, But Don't Forget To Smile," Alex Mitchell dares her readers to "Go Ahead!" and be like the outrageous monsters in her illustrations, for in this colorful children's book she uses monsters to encourage self-love

Online, May 28, 2013 (Newswire.com) - From the start of Alex Mitchell's new book, "Go Ahead, Be A Monster, But Don't Forget To Smile," she dares her readers to feel angry, annoyed, impatient, and needy, just like her outrageous monsters. Written with the conviction that although emotions may overwhelm us, they do not define us, the author then slowly encourages her readers to look deeper and recognize their true miraculous nature. From her unique perspective of life as an artist, this bilingual poem picture book is a spirited invitation to smile and remember who we are deep down inside no matter what we're feeling.

"If I could return to my childhood and take one thing with me that I've learned as an adult, what advice could I give my childhood me?" is the question that Alex Mitchell asked herself to begin writing her book. As an artist she is comfortable with putting her life center stage and using her creative process to help others feel better about themselves. In the book's closing commentary she boldly reveals her personal thoughts: "And so I wish to invite you to be okay with your own monsters. You don't need to wait until you feel perfect to love yourself. With or without monsters, you are perfect already. And the love you have for yourself is the most important thing you will ever own. It will give you the quiet assurance that no matter what you're feeling - no matter which of your monsters is currently popping up - you will always find your way back to your true self. And that's the part of you deep down inside that smiles and knows everything is going to be alright."

All the pages of "Go Ahead, Be A Monster, But Don't Forget To Smile" are reproduced from hand-painted originals by Alex Mitchell, who also created the video and audio recordings for the special enhanced ebook version. Both versions include a closing commentary by the author and a complete translation into Spanish.

The "Go Ahead" video is available on YouTube. The book is available from Blurb.com in two versions, in softcover ($23.91) or as an enhanced ebook for the iPad ($4.99). Book preview and purchase information available at Alex Mitchell's Blurb Bookstore. More book information also available at Alex Mitchell's website.