Author: Gregory G. Allen
Illustrator: Shelby Goodwin
Pub Date: October 10, 2023
ISBN: 978-0996102940
(children's chapter book)
Format: Trade Paperback
Genre: Fiction (128 pages)
Price: $9.99
Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.
Author: Gregory G. Allen
Illustrator: Morgan Swofford
Pub Date: October 2016
ISBN: 978-0-9961029-3-3
(children's picture book)
Format: Trade Paperback
Genre: Fiction (40 pages)
Price: $11.99
As a squirrel, Irving has learned his job is to gather nuts, but he wants nothing more than to join the children rehearsing inside the nearby theater. After weeks of watching them, will Irving get a chance to fulfill his dream? "Irving the Theater Nut!" is an encouraging story about teamwork and not being ashamed of chasing a dream no matter what it is.
Author: Gregory G. Allen
Illustrator: Dennis Culver
Pub Date: April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9853441-0-8
(children's picture book)
Format: Trade Paperback
Genre: Fiction (32 pages)
Price: $9.99
"I have a superhero inside my head. I call him Chicken Boy" proclaims our hero. What others may see as odd "quirks", a child living with autism explains as all a part of his being a superhero. Told in the first person perspective, Chicken Boy offers a small glimpse into the mind of one child who wants others to understand they shouldn't fear someone simply because that person is a little different.
Author: Gregory G. Allen
Illustrator: Morgan Swofford
Pub Date: May 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9961029-0-2
(children's picture book)
Format: Trade Paperback
Genre: Fiction (40 pages)
Price: $10.99
Book two shares why a visit to a doctor or a dentist may be difficult for certain children. The buzz of a dental drill, the cold of a stethoscope, the smell of rubber gloves, the taste of the toothpaste; all of these can be intensified for children with autism. Yet many children can relate to the fears that can surround these visits and can use our superhero's tips to help make these trips just a little bit easier.
"Get ready for an unforgettable journey with Toby, a unique and lovable monster tired of hiding in the basement of Marymount Mansion. Halloween is the only time of year that he can safely roam free in the world. Toby decides to embark on a daring quest to escape his underground life and discover a world beyond his confined existence. With furry green skin and a scent like cotton candy, Toby is not your ordinary monster. The Monsters of Marymount Mansion would be the perfect addition to any children's library. Its message is essential for all children to learn and embrace. Author Gregory G. Allen has written an excellent life lesson children's book that delivers essential messages of diversity and inclusion. The characters are so well-developed that they will quickly warm your heart. This captivating book will soon become a favorite among children and adults."
-Suzie Housley for Midwest Book Review
"Superbly written and bold narrative…a thought-provoking and heartwarming story that will keep even the most reluctant readers glued. The story moves at an even pace with a great deal of world-building as the little monster takes in breathtaking scenes and the diversity around him comparing this with what he is accustomed to. The writer flavors his narrative with a graceful style and lucid prose bound to leave readers fulfilled and yearning for more. The cover page, beautifully illustrated by Shelby Goodwin, is eye-catching and arresting, creating an aura of prickling anxiety and mystery, accentuating the story herein.”
-Lily Andrews for Reader Views
“As a mom of two, I love stories that teach children how to understand and embrace differences and this one is a charming tale of a monster accepting what makes him unique. Peppered with quirky characters, holiday adventures, and even a plucky little sister, kids will connect to the adorable Toby and his friends.”
- Laura Benanti, Tony Award winning star of stage and screen (and Mom!)
"The Monsters of Marymount Mansion by Gregory G. Allen is an adventurous and delightful romp through the holidays as brave Toby and his sassy little sister explore the exciting world they have only spied on from the safety of their basement hideaway. Inventive and nuanced and charming and fun, this imaginative children’s story offers young readers a vivid adventure of discovery. Toby’s forays into the outside world reveal monsters as diverse as humans and show us that sometimes we have to be a little rebellious to discover what’s out there. I know this chapter book will find its way into the hearts of young readers."
- Glenda Burgess, Author of The Geography of Love, finalist, Books for a Better Life Award
"The Monsters of Marymount Mansion is an exciting children's chapter book that conveys messages of diversity and inclusion. The main character, Toby, takes us on his adventures and encourages the reader to explore their own curiosity. This is the perfect book for young readers to curl up under a blanket with this winter. Don't forget the hot chocolate!"
- Jennifer C. Kelly, Author of Fred Gets Frustrated
“Monsters is a beautiful story of courage, friendship and learning to accept yourself! This book is wonderful for children of all ages, whether they can read independently or as a read aloud. There are so many valuable lessons to be learned and it opens the door for great conversations with kids!”
-Danielle Jacob, 1st grade teacher and mom
"This is a great book and it tells children (and young squirrels!) that you can fulfill your dreams if you aim high! I loved the drawings and the story. If you like theatre, singing and squirrels this is a perfect book for you!" -- 8 year old Iain Armitage Young Sheldon/(Iain Loves Theatre)
"This book is great for kids who want to pursue the arts or want to pursue something that may seem unattainable. Many of us on Broadway started out thinking we could never do it or being told we could never do it. Therefore, it's always inspiring to read about an underdog (undersquirrel?) who gets the chance to prove he can do it and brings down the house. Because if Irving the squirrel can, we all can!" -- Seth Rudetsky, SiriusXM Radio Broadway Host
"Parents, Gregory G. Allen's Irving the Theater Nut! is the book you'll be reading to your children at bedtime for the foreseeable future. Who doesn't love a story in which a child is nice to an animal and have that animal return the favor? For years, we've heard that Gus the Theatre Cat 'acted with Irving.' We assumed he meant Henry Irving, the great 19th century actor, but now we have to wonder if he meant Irving the Squirrel, who gets his start as a performer in this endearing book." -- Peter Filichia, author of Let's Put on a Musical
"Gregory G. Allen's charming story beautifully illustrates the magic of live theater and the transformative power of following our dreams! I am nuts for Irving the Theater Nut!" -- Beth Baur, Co-founder New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts & 2016 Excellence in Theatre Education Honorable Mention
"For anyone with a dream that seems a bit out of reach, Gregory G. Allen's Irving The Theater Nut! will be an inspiration and charming encouragement for young and old alike." -- Arthur Wooten, author of Wise Bear William: A New Beginning
"This will be a great resource for kids with autism who want to feel better about themselves, to unleash their inner greatness and for parents and teachers who want to promote a positive view of autism to their offspring and students."
-Anne Carpenter, Librarian and Information and Referral Specialist Autism Society of Michigan
"Having worked with autistic children for over 10 years, I found this book to be exactly what's needed for them. Gregory Allen manages to get inside the mind of a child with autism and show exactly how he's thinking and feeling." - Judy Bryan Special Needs Therapist & Author
"Every teacher should be aware of this book & should read it in every class at every grade level. There are a lot of children now being mainstreamed in to regular classes & this would bring so much awareness." - New Jersey
"I work with autistic children and this story portrayed a deeper understanding of the special mind of a child with autism." - Illinois
"What a sweet touching yet true and funny way of appreciating and loving a child for who he is." - New York
"I work with, and advocate for, autistic children and their families. I wish I could hand this book to each new family as they tell me their son or daughter has just been diagnosed with Autism." - California
**Gold Winner in Children's Books: Preschool Category in the Readers Favorite 2012 Awards
**People's Choice Grand Prize Winner 20011 MeeGenius Author Challenge