Dianna L. Grayer Ph.d.

Lei Lei Conquers the Monsters Dianna L. Grayer Ph.d.

Lei Lei Conquers the Monsters is a story about a girl who views her family members as so-called "monsters." She is frightened by them because they are often mean and angry. Because of her fear, she spends much of her time hidden in her closet. Lei Lei has an imaginary friend, Dyimah, who encourages her and validates who she is as a person. Dyimah teaches Lei Lei about a special gift that everyone has access to: their imagination. But, Lei Lei has so much fear and skepticism, that she steers away from any attempts to use the power of her imagination until one day when her situation at home becomes dire. She is frustrated and feels she cannot trust herself or her family members. Once she confronts her fear and begins to apply her gift, Lei Lei gradually realizes that through imagination, there is hope. Little by little, she is able to experience a feeling of strength and a sense of self. Ultimately, Lei Lei becomes empowered enough to share her experience with someone she once feared. From Lei Lei?s story, Dr. Grayer teaches children how to find strength, comfort and courage through their own imagination and to stay true to the essence of who they are, even in the worst of situations.