The Clean-Up Monster
Roscoe and Ivy want the clean-up monster, their name for the vacuum cleaner, to come out; but first they need to tidy up all of their things. Tidying seems an overwhelming task, everything is jumbled up, Play-Doh is mixed together, and Roscoe is getting out more toys. Slowly they start to put things into labelled boxes, Ivy makes sure the dough lids match the colour in the pots, and finally they’re ready for Mama to bring the clean-up monster out!
This story of an everyday task is one that all children can relate to, and references to neurodiversity woven throughout the story and its illustrations, making this book feel inclusive for all readers. Children may notice Ivy’s overwhelm, her distress at the lids not matching the dough, Roscoe’s feelings chart, and his ear defenders. This book simply and effectively normalises the accommodations many children use to support them in day-to-day life.
Using bright, expressive, and engaging illustrations, this book perfectly conveys the emotions Ivy and Roscoe experience, as well as making this a fun and relatable book to read together. There is lots to notice in the illustrations, and children will enjoy spotting familiar toys and games.
