Monica Mikai – författare

Gardens are glorious places blossoming with joy, wonder, and wisdom too. Whether it’s greeting the possibilities of each sunrise with the daylilies or appreciating what makes us as unique as the polkadot plant; whether it’s contemplating life’s thorns with the roses or standing as tall as a sunflower, spending time in nature can give us new ways of seeing. This flora-filled ode will inspire readers to observe the plants around them and appreciate the things that make each one - and each of us - special.

This stunning picture book takes a joyful look into the loving and long process of a hair wash day and the beautiful bond between a daughter and mother. Perfect for Mother’s Day or all year round!I love Sundays, because Sundays are wash days. And wash days are just for us.Filled with heartwarming illustrations, Wash Day with Mama centers on a little girl cherishing each step of their hair washing routine while Mama imparts her wisdom and stresses the importance of self-care, loving yourself, and being proud of who you are. The process of washing and taking care of Black hair takes time and effort, but this poignant story shows how it is an act of self-love and nurtures a special connection between mother and daughter.For the Black community, washing their hair can feel like an event in and of itself, and that's why it has been christened "wash day." For many, wash day isn't just a routine, but an intimate ritual that is a symbol of self-love and pride. This self-care practice, although individual to the person, can root them in their culture and allow them to embrace generations of hair traditions. This book shows the love and care of washing Black hair and compels us to reflect on shared moments that we may take for granted.

NAACP Image Award NomineeFor anyone who struggles with sensory overload, this soothing picture book offers a touchstone of understanding and encouraging guidance for finding your own quiet place—whenever and wherever it’s needed.In our loud and busy world, finding a moment or place to think, dream, or rest quietly can be challenging. My Quiet Place highlights one child’s difficulty in dealing with the volume and action that swirl around her as she moves from the serenity of dawn to the bustle of breakfast, the cacophony of street sounds, the jostling of playground fun, and the everythingness of people’s lives packed together in a crowded bus or market. With focus and determination, she identifies all the ways she can find quiet when she needs it and even share it when someone else needs a bit, too.Highlighting a common symptom of anxiety, depression, and ADHD, this compassionate and empowering book serves as a much-needed resource for children, families, and teachers. Light-hearted and relatable, it will make neurodiverse kids feel heard and understood and let kids who don’t experience this phenomenon hear and understand them.

This touching picture book takes a look at the beautiful relationship between a Black father and son when they spend the day at a barbershop. Perfect for Father’s Day or all year round!Haircut day is just for me and Dad. We wake up early and grab breakfast to go. Our hair has grown out and we still look fly, but it’s time to visit the barbershop. A barbershop is a magical place filled with laughter, games, and most importantly, fresh cuts. Barbershops provide the care and expertise needed for cutting Black hair. This uplifting story shows how barbershops are centers of community for African Americans of all ages to unite and share in moments of self-care.Haircut Day with Dad follows a boy and his dad as they spend the day in their happy place—the barbershop—where they take time out to bond and focus on themselves. The vibrant scenes show how the routine of cutting Black hair at a barbershop fosters a connection between a father, a son, and their community.