I love children’s books, fairy tales, and picture books. This books occupies a special place in my library and in my heart. It teaches emotional intelligence to children and to adults that take the time to read this book.
The story is about an old man (In fairy tales, the wise are usually portrayed as old) . The old man tricks a monster, by taking advantage of the monster’s narcissistic traits. The monster used to eat little children’ s dolls; especially those dolls that belong to good children. The wise old man convinces the monster that she will grow more beautiful if she eats his very special food. The special food is really just his normal everyday food that he has given a fancy new name . The monster agrees to eat this special fancy food instead of little dolls. She does become more beautiful (the power of placebo?) but also becomes very self centered, disconnected from everyone, and nearly loses her power of speech. In the end the monster resides in a self created prison on a mountain.
This simple plot, beautifully illustrated, teaches the reader the basics of emotional intelligence, without excessive moralizing overtones. The story shows how narcissism makes you vulnerable to manipulation; paralyzes you and makes your life devoid of meaning, real love and connection.
