LOCAL BOOKSHELF 'Lulu and the Hunger Monster' by Erik Talkin • Illustrated by Sheryl Murray

"Lulu and the Hunger Monster" tells the story of a little girl who lives with food insecurity and how that affects her day at school. &emsp;Author Erik Talkin, CEO of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, helps families experiencing food insecurity like Lulu and her mom. He is also a recognized innovator and leader in America's food bank network. &emsp;Lulu's experience is a far too common reality. Talkin writes, "According to Feeding America, one in seven children in the United States lives with hunger." &emsp; &emsp;"Lulu and the Hunger Monster" is an important book that all children will benefit from. For children in a similar situation as Lulu, it gives language to what they are experiencing and helps to end the shame and isolation they may be feeling. For other children, it provides awareness and fosters empathy toward classmates who may be struggling with hunger. In the book, Lulu has the support of her friend when she eventually finds the courage to confide in her teacher. &emsp;Talkin describes Lulu's hunger as a "monster" always lurking nearby. Illustrator Sheryl Murray does a wonderful job bringing the monster to life. The monster grows and shrinks throughout the day, depending on her hunger, which is "the worst before lunch." Like many school-age children, Lulu qualifies for free lunch, but without breakfast or a morning snack, it is difficult for Lulu to concentrate. Talkin shows how hunger affects Lulu's ability to focus on her schoolwork and play with friends, highlighting how hunger impacts children's social lives and academic achievement. &emsp; &emsp;Talkin also addresses the shame that may keep children and their caregivers from asking for help. Despite having a job, Lulu's mom struggles to pay the bills and afford groceries. In this story, her vehicle needs repairs, without which, she could not get to work. Lulu's mom doesn't believe she will qualify for assistance because she has a job, so they try to get by on little food until Lulu asks for help. &emsp;The hunger monster gives voice to Lulu's fears of asking for help when he tells her that her teacher will "... think your mom is a bad person." In the end, she doesn't listen to the hunger monster and asks her teacher for help. &emsp;Talkin includes a write-up titled "You Can Stand Up to the Hunger Monster." In it, he shares his experience working with food banks and offers practical advice for anyone who wants to help in their community. Reading "Lulu and the Hunger Monster" with young people will also have the positive impact of normalizing sharing and receiving food and helping to end the stigmatization of experiencing food insecurity. BOX: If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity in the Monadnock Region, there are resources available, including The Community Kitchen, Feeding Tiny Tummies & Resource Center, and a free summer lunch program Monday through Friday at the Keene Public Library during school vacation. New Hampshire Food Bank will also distribute boxes with seven days of breakfast and lunch meals from Keene Middle School on Fridays 1:00-3:00 from 6/28-8/23 (closed 7/5). For more information, go to nhfoodbank.org/summermeals. Many towns also have food pantries and community meals. For a complete list, visit Monadnock Farm & Community Coalition's website at mfcommunitycoalition.org/pantries-meals.