The King and the Monster
"This storybook should be on the shelf of every addiction therapist, school counselor, and public library."
Chelsea Markopoulos, MA, CAADC, LPC
"I look forward to sharing your book with patients and their families and know that they, too, will be positively affected by your book's message."
Joseph Kearns, CRC, LPC
Author's Purpose:
This is a story to help children understand addiction and why their parents need to move away to get help.
Quite a challenging project!
I decided to write this as a fairy tale since the subject is so severe.
It is designed to open the conversation on addiction, as each child will have questions and various degrees of understanding depending upon their age and experience.
The book is being illustrated by the same artist who did such beautiful work on my Christmas story.
Outline:
There was a very happy King. He loved his wife, the Queen, he loved his children, and he loved his dog.
But, the king was encouraged to go to the quicksand pit, even though he knew it was dangerous. He thought he was strong and it would never hurt him. Once there, he puts his hand in the pit and realizes “It was a TRAP!:”
The smoke-like monster slithers out of the pit and gains hold of the King.
He starts to act like a monster!
His family becomes distant and sad.
Eventually, he misses his happy life, he misses his family and he cries out for help. His Angels hear him and send a beam of light to him that prompts him to ask the village Wisdom Tree for help. With multiple angels now smiling, two Healing Helpers, dressed like superheroes, fly to pick him up and bring him to the Healing House.
His children miss him when he leaves. They get angry and cry. The Queen understands their sadness and reminds them that their father has to get help so he can be strong and healthy again.
The Healing Helpers remind him there is a higher power and that he is not alone, and to listen to his angels. They remind him of his beautiful heart, they help him build his strength. They give the king armor and tools to protect himself from the Monster.
Eventually, the King is strong enough to go home.
He is happy again with his loving family.
Reviews
"This storybook should be on the shelf of every addiction therapist, school counselor, and public library. I hope for the sake of families struggling with addiction this story reaches their hands and begins a process of healing that dark spot in our hearts."
Chelsea Markopoulos, MA, CAADC, LPC
"As an adult who had a parent who struggled with addiction my whole life, this book made me cry. I think this is not only a wonderful way to explain to a child about a loved one going through addiction but it also teaches them about the dangers in a very gentle and non graphic way."
Chloe
"Addiction is a difficult topic for many adults to understand, let alone a child. The delivery, flow and main point of the struggle we have unfortunately become all too familiar with, was brilliantly formatted in this book. Easy for a child to follow and comprehend and yet a great read for an adult to explain the totality of addiction in the absence of a book or a great reminder of the monsters many battle alone. Recommend with enthusiasm."
Steven
"In a world where addiction affects countless families, this book provides a refreshing and essential approach to discussing the issue with young minds. It skillfully presents a message of hope, illustrating that with understanding and support, people can find the strength to overcome challenges and embark on a brave journey towards healing."
Ashley
