Marvin's Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks! (But I Rock It, Big Time) (St4 Mindfulness Book for Kids)

I bought this for a friend's little brother who also has ADHD for Christmas. He had read through all of the Diary Wimpy Kid series, and this book uses the same style. I thought I should at least read through the book to make sure I knew what I was giving him. I wish someone had put this book in my hands when I was a kid struggling with ADHD. This book does three very important things: 1) validates common experiences/struggles that people with ADHD/focus problems have so they don't feel like they are the only ones and alone 2) it gives kids multiple (not just one, MULTIPLE, in case one doesn't work) actions they can take to manage their symptoms 3) it does both of these in terms simple enough that a child (or anyone who has problems focusing and remembering, which is anyone with ADHD/focus problems) can very easily understand and remember I also appreciate that the examples in the book are applicable to any gender, not just boys, because girls have ADHD too. The 'Note For Parents' in the back is also important because it explains some of the deeper methodologies the author of the book is using and also lets parents know how to use the book and the skills it teaches to encourage their child.

My kid was having a very rough day and acting without thinking which was quickly leading to a worse day for all of us. I got him to calm down and recognize he was acting without thinking and I told him I had the perfect story about a little monster that had the very same problem. We read the book together and he made ST4 signs for all over the house. Sometimes he sees the signs, sometimes he doesn’t. When he doesn’t, we can just say “Hey Pal, ST4.” And it helps defuse the situation before it can escalate out of control. Even I find these techniques useful as an adult.

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Some of the ADD/ADHD books for kids are really dry. This book was cute and funny and has these really simple and easy to remember (but super effective) self-management/self-regulation strategies that are taught through the storyline. It doesn't feel like a self-help book or a textbook at all. It reads like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. My daughter loved it and immediately started using the strategies. I can't wait for the upcoming books to be available. These are fantastic.

" I should have expected something to go wrong - something always goes wrong for me. " Marvin the Monster is a great lkid...but he has troubles focusing in his school, with his friends....really doing anything. "I was always so busy DOING something that I forgot everything else." One day, Marvin gets to go to a music contest and play his instrument for Stevie Strummer - Marvin's musical idol. Only...when he gets to the contest...he is absolutely horrified. "...I had to monster up and tell the greatest musician on Planet Monsterearth that I showed up to a musical competition with no musical instrument. Worst. Moment. Of. My. Life." Luckily, Stevie Strummer has an extra moment to take Marvin under his wing. Marvin learns to use his "monstercam" to zoom in on the important things and the ST4 (Stop - take time to think) method to help him stay on track! Overall, this was a pretty good book. This book was written by Dr Melmed - a developmental pediatrician - who specializes in childhood difficulties (such as attention span issues or Autism). I liked the concept of it - finding a new way to help children focus and be mindful of their reactions. The book is designed (with fabulous illustrations) to be read with a parent or guardian and reflect on mindfulness. He includes text at the back of the book for parents who are working with their children. I think the concept of the book is fabulous, and the excecution of it is pretty well-done. However, as an adult reading this, it seems a bit heavy on the Monsterfied words (aka everything seems to have a monster-related pun) and a bit heavy-handed on the lessons. I don't think it would be as-noticed by the children but I do think it could've used a bit more finessing so it seemed a bit less like a lesson and more like a story. All in all, this one seemed like a very useful sort of book and could bring about great discussions with a child!

This has been so helpful! There's a section for adults to read to understand how best to support and apply the lesson in the book. I recommend reading the book first then again with your kid. The experiences the character has are very relatable. Great for any kid that is impulsive and has attention issues. Our sons teacher and councilor were big fans too. MONSTER CAM!

I have a son who is ADHD combined type and came across this series. He absolutely loved it. Kept him interested for the first time in awhile. I can't wait for the upcoming books to be available. These are fantastic.

I was looking for books since this pandemic started and we have been at home. I have a son who is ADHD combined type and came across this series. He absolutely loved it. Kept him interested for the first time in awhile. He sat and read it 3 times in one week already. I too read it so I could see if it is something he can identify with and he can. It’s positive and entertaining. We also purchased two other ones. Great find!

I bought this for my 9 year old who has ADHD consequently, self esteem issues. So far he has read this twice. I feel it has helped him to understand his condition and to not feel so alone. He also likes the humor in it. It's a cute book that keeps his attention and he can really relate to the character.