#393 - Munni Monster

by Madhurima Vidyarthi and illustrated by Tanvi Bhat

“Munni Monster” by Madhurima Vidyarthi and illustrated by Tanvi Bhat. Published by Duckbill. A compelling and heartwarming story of Mishti who has to face some unexpected changes in her life in the form of Munni, a differently abled older relative.

Mishti is a ten and half year old living in a small but cosy flat with her parents and Thamma (grandmother). Life is just about perfect when a drastic change knocks at their door. Thamma’s cousin Munni who has cerebral palsy is coming to live with them. Mishti is upset that she is going to be uprooted from Thamma’s room and her bed for the sake of an unknown person. Her only mission seems to be to make Munni leave at any cost. For this she seeks the help of Riya who is her best friend in school. Riya seems sympathetic to her cause but she is always bossing over Mishti and being mean to her.

On the one hand Mishti’s family is being generous, but Mishti is feeling extremely hurt as she has to lose her coveted bed which was a source of pride and joy for her. She who never loved cleaning had meticulously dusted the old bed every single day and earned it for herself from her Thamma. And Munni was now taking it away. No one was ready to listen to her and send Munni away. Munni is nowhere close to what Mishti thought she would be. A strange combination of old woman looks and baby like traits. As time goes by, Munni becomes an integral part of the family and everyone seems to have settled. This doesn’t mean that things have been going smoothly for everyone. Mishti has to face many challenges like giving up some of the things she has loved a lot and frustration when nobody seems to be paying any attention to what she is feeling. When crisis hits the family, will Mishti be able to pitch in? Read this moving story to know how Mishti and her family deal with the circumstances.

My almost nine year old and I were hooked to the book and enjoyed reading it. We just couldn’t put it away after the first couple of chapters and ended up reading the book well past bedtime. The little fellow was so moved by the story that he didn’t want to sleep till we reached the end. Thankfully there was no school the next day!  He loved the plot and the characters. The themes of family bonding, disability, kindness, empathy, inclusion, crisis handling, love, responsibility, financial challenges and bullying/toxic friendship  have been shown so beautifully and realistically. The family does give room to Munni in their home and hearts but they have to face quite a few challenges with Mishti and Munni. Having a differently abled person at home all of a sudden or even otherwise isn’t an easy thing at all. To take responsibility of someone like Munni who is extended family and give her love wholeheartedly is no mean feat! We loved how Mishti’s family and their emotions have been portrayed so well.

I will not give away the plot but the family is tested to the brink and the portrayal of their integrity comes through so wonderfully. Issues of concern like lack of awareness about cerebral palsy and non existence of medical insurance for those who are affected have been woven into the plot so well. The accompanying illustrations are beautiful and add a charming touch to the story. Overall the book is a “MUST READ” for everyone. The fact that the author Madhurima is a doctor and Munni is based on a real life person from her home has made the story even more heartwarming and given it that authentic as well as realistic touch. This is Madhurima’s second book. We had loved her first book as well called “My Grandmother’s Masterpiece” which came out last year :)

Recommended Age

The book is apt for anyone aged 9 and above.

Reasons to Read

The book is an ideal means to create awareness in children about Cerebral Palsy. It opens up discussions about associated topics like the families, the caretakers, importance of medical insurance and how it is unavailable for those affected by cerebral palsy.

Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India (Duckbill), for review. Thank you to Greeshma and Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!