The Wanting Monster

From award-winning author Martine Murray (dubbed Australias Kate DiCamillo) and painter Anna Read comes a timeless and timely tale about the monstrousness of envy, and every creatureseven a monstersneed for love

It starts with a whisper in your ear. A prickly feeling that something isnt quite right. And it builds until a sneaky, possessive thought wriggles into your mind, and an insidious want burrows into your heart. Before you know it, youre discontent, convinced that youre owed more than what youve got. This is the work of the Wanting Monster.

One day, the Wanting Monster arrives in a small village, but no one notices him, despite his antics. Feeling snubbed, he starts sowing discontent and envy of ones neighbor. So infectious is the wanting and greed awakened by the Wanting Monster that even the stars are plucked, one by one, from the sky. Covetousness and distrust reign. Will the village people ever return to their senses? Will they ever learn that its the monster of wanting thats been poisoning their minds? The Wanting Monster almost triumphs . . . fortunately, he is finally seen for what he is, and this recognition unleashes the purifying force of collective lamentation and a coming together to reroot and rebuild.