Roper Mona

A Sallamong's Story Roper Mona

A Sallamong's Story is a short chapter book for helping children face challenges that come their way in their lives, be they moving home, being bullied, family stress, natural disasters, becoming ill, needing to have an operation, and so forth. The story conveys an important message for children, which is that regardless of what happens in their lives, deep down they never stop being themselves. This message is conveyed through an engaging storyline, an endearing character, a catchy rhyme, rich symbolism and watercolor illustrations, which together speak to both the minds and hearts of children. The main character is ten-year-old Santos, a creature called a Sallamong who lives on Sallamong Island. Santos goes through turmoil when drought strikes the island and his parents turn against each other. With the help of wise and loving counsel from his grandmother, playing with his friends and supportive Sallamong tradition, he finds happiness and confidence again. However, when faced with a difficult decision - whether or not to shed his skin - Santos' insecurity returns and he is tempted to stay in his old skin and forfeit the benefits of growing up. He makes a life-affirming decision when he comes to the wonderful realization that, regardless of what skin he's in, he will never stop being himself. The story is written for 6- to 10-year-olds and older people who are young at heart.