Too Many Murkles

{"hero_section": {"headline": "See Problems Eye-to-Eye.", "subheadline": "Discover how empathy and a change in perspective can transform fear into friendship."}, "the_vision": {"quote": "I just got down on the ground... You see things a lot differently when you're eye-to-eye with a Tanza.", "context": "This story teaches children that the creatures or ideas we fear most often just need understanding rather than confrontation. It champions the power of seeking the root cause of a 'problem' instead of applying surface-level solutions.", "context_old": "This story teaches children that the creatures or ideas we fear most often just need understanding rather than confrontation. It champions the power of seeking the root cause of a 'problem' instead of applying surface-level solutions."}, "therapeutic_guide": {"title": "For Cultivating Empathy and Perspective Shifting", "core_utility": "Encourages children to actively seek the needs and motivations of others (or unfamiliar situations) before reacting.", "conversation_starters": ["When Juliana looked the Murkle in the eye, how did her feelings change?", "What is something you are afraid of right now, and how could you try to see it from its point of view?", "If you were the Mayor, what is the first thing you would have tried to do about the Firestars before Juliana suggested waiting?"]}, "visual_style_guide": {"mood_board": "Nostalgic, Lush, Transformative", "color_palette": ["#9B2226", "#003049", "#FFC300"], "art_direction": "Watercolor illustrations with rich textures, emphasizing the contrast between the initial 'dread' (murky blues/grays) and the final vibrant beauty (scarlet, shimmering violet)."}, "social_share": {"instagram": "From Murkles to Firestars, Juliana taught Summerville that the best way to solve big problems is to simply get down and look them right in the eye. \ud83c\udf3f A beautiful reminder that perspective changes everything! #GetDownAndLook", "hashtags": ["#PerspectiveShift", "#ChildrensBooks", "#EmpathyWins", "#JulianaSolvesIt"]}, "reviews_and_awards": {"reader_praise": ["Each spring, the people of Summerville gather to prevent the dreaded Murkles from entering their village. Unfortunately, this year there are more of the strange, smelly creatures than ever. When Juliana allows one little Murkle to waddle into town, she witnesses something truly amazing. She now knows exactly what to do, but will the mayor listen? This intriguing story tells of a young girl who helps the townspeople understand that their Murkle problem - and others that soon follow - are actually blessings in disguise. Mary Gregg Byrne's playful illustrations add whimsy to Heidi Schmidt's imaginative tale of good things that arrive in unusual packages. Editorial Reviews About the Author \"I think being a writer picks you and much as you pick it,\" Heidi says. \"The writer\u0092s seed sprouted when I had the \u0091best story\u0092 in grade three. It really grew when I placed first in a poetry contest.\" Heidi wrote Too Many Murkles as a tribute to \"making your journey, singing your song, and growing under the sun. By being (When we are) flexible and willing to examine different points of view, life flows much more smoothly.\" Holding degrees in both music and education, Heidi lives in Kanata, Ontario with her daughter, Kira Noelle. Product details Publisher \u200f : \u200e Illumination Arts Publishing Company Publication date \u200f : \u200e September 1, 2004 Language \u200f : \u200e English Print length \u200f : \u200e 32 pages ISBN-10 \u200f : \u200e 0970190778 ISBN-13 \u200f : \u200e 978-0970190772 Item Weight \u200f : \u200e 13.6 ounces Reading age \u200f : \u200e 4 - 8 years Dimensions \u200f : \u200e 9.25 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches Grade level \u200f : \u200e Preschool - 2 Best Sellers Rank: #6,749,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #9,680 in Children's Short Story Collections Customer Reviews: 5.0"], "editorial_reviews": [""]}, "author_bio": "\"I think being a writer picks you and much as you pick it,\" Heidi says. \"The writer\u0092s seed sprouted when I had the \u0091best story\u0092 in grade three. It really grew when I placed first in a poetry contest.\"\nHeidi wrote Too Many Murkles as a tribute to \"making your journey, singing your song, and growing under the sun. By being (When we are) flexible and willing to examine different points of view, life flows much more smoothly.\"\n\nHolding degrees in both music and education, Heidi lives in Kanata, Ontario with her daughter, Kira Noelle.", "product_specs": {}, "general_audience_layer": {"narrative": "Each spring, the people of Summerville gather to prevent the dreaded Murkles from entering their village. Unfortunately, this year there are more of the strange, smelly creatures than ever. When Juliana allows one little Murkle to waddle into town, she witnesses something truly amazing. She now knows exactly what to do, but will the mayor listen? This intriguing story tells of a young girl who helps the townspeople understand that their Murkle problem - and others that soon follow - are actually blessings in disguise."}}

Each spring, the people of Summerville gather to prevent the dreaded Murkles from entering their village. Unfortunately, this year there are more of the strange, smelly creatures than ever. When Juliana allows one little Murkle to waddle into town, she witnesses something truly amazing. She now knows exactly what to do, but will the mayor listen? This intriguing story tells of a young girl who helps the townspeople understand that their Murkle problem - and others that soon follow - are actually blessings in disguise.