Essays, Chapbooks, Contests...Etcetera
LAURA SHOVAN: Poet & Novelist
WELCOME TO MONSTERVILLE
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Laura Shovan is a novelist, educator, and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. Her work appears in journals and anthologies for children and adults. Laura’s award-winning middle grade novels include The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary, Takedown, and the Sydney Taylor Notable A Place at the Table, written with Saadia Faruqi. An honors graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts (BFA Dramatic Writing) and Montclair State University (Master of Arts, teaching), Laura is a longtime Maryland State Arts Council Artist-in-Education, conducting school poetry residencies. She teaches for Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Story Behind the Book: Welcome to Monsterville (Loyola College/Apprentice House, April 25 release) honors Laura's late friend, fellow poet, illustrator, and founder of 100 Thousand Poets for Change, Michael Rothenberg.
It all started when Michael sent Laura illustrations of monsters that he created as a form of art therapy during the pandemic. In response, Laura sent him back poems, one for each monster, telling their story. Born out of pandemic-related grief, confusion, and fear is this gentle, therapeutic poetry book that doubles as a playful way for kids to develop social-emotional skills. And, after Michael's passing, the book is also a way for Laura to celebrate his life's work and the beautiful friendship they shared. |
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A Walk
by Laura Shovan Every day at two o’clock monster houses take a walk. Front doors shiver. Windows shake. Each step kabooms. The sidewalks quake. Neighbors all come out to watch as monster houses play hopscotch. They jump and spin. They dance and giggle. Monsters houses wobble, wiggle. They’re always laughing, having fun. I almost wish I lived in one. |
A Walk
© Michael Rothenberg |
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When I Cry
by Laura Shovan There is a monster in me called Sadness. Its arms and legs ache. It is weary, as if it spent all night walking across steep mountains. There is a monster in me whose hair stretches from its head in tangled rivers, flowing fast—like the thoughts that keep me awake. When I cry, Monster weeps. Tears crawl on fuzzy legs down its cheeks. They tickle! Monster laughs until its teeth turn pink. Can I laugh too, even though I am sad? Yes, Monster says. You’re a weary, silly, laughing, weeping, wonderful creature. |
When I Cry
© Michael Rothenberg |
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Photo Courtesy: Laura Shovan
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