Mina and the Monster
Silvia Romeral Andrés, author
Silvia Romeral Andrés is an author-illustrator born in Zaragoza, Spain, and currently living in Barcelona. She studied illustration at Escola Joso in Barcelona, specializing in children's illustration. She likes to tell stories about magic and everyday adventures. When she's not writing stories or making art, Silvia loves getting lost in the forest, watching the night sky, and hiking in the mountains. She practices kendo and loves tea and fantastic literature.
Read more about Silvia.
- Coming soon!
Kirkus Reviews
Monsters don’t bother Mina.
In the valley of a snowy mountain range, a group of children sit in rapturous awe listening to the story of the fierce creature who lives in a nearby forest; “its roar alone can unleash a storm.” “That monster doesn’t scare me at all,” declares young Mina, who vows to hunt down the creature herself. With her trusty pooch in tow, she steps out onto the snowy terrain. Peril awaits—a bridge in disrepair, for instance—but a silent savior emerges in the form of the monster, a spirited beast with white fur and red cheeks, who, unbeknownst to Mina, looks after the blithely unaware girl (holding up the bridge and shielding her from raging winds). Though she returns home disappointed at her apparent failure, that doesn’t stop her from trying again the next day. Young readers will strongly relate to Mina’s determination and independent streak; they’ll also delight in knowing something she does not. Andrés effectively showcases the harsh landscape, with Mina’s bright-red coat and blue scarf popping against the stark white and gray backgrounds. Dramatic angles give the tale a cinematic flair, though there’s a softness to the images as well. Andrés also gently cautions readers against unthinkingly trusting rumors, as each description of the good-natured monster is eventually debunked.
Atmospheric and inviting—with a lesson in cultivating a healthy sense of skepticism.Children's Literature Review
Mina may be small for her age, but she is brave. So, when Mina’s father tells a story about a dangerous monster that dwells in the woods, Mina decides to find the monster. Though the setting is imposing, Mina is undeterred, determined to do her best to locate the monster before returning home again. Carefully crafted text and illustrations depict an exquisite, wintery expanse so vivid that the reader can almost detect a chill emanating from the pictures. Sophisticated vocabulary abounds throughout the text, as well, inviting young readers to acquire new words while enjoying the story. Though the fact that Mina does not actually find the monster may cause children to wonder at the purpose of the book, the story is a worthwhile read nonetheless. This is a visually engaging addition to library collections for young readers.
Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-664-9
Ages: 3–7
Page count: 40
9 x 10 3/4
Publication date: October 13, 2026



