Young author's book "M-M-M Monsters!!!" on sale

Boy's monsters help to rescue pets

Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photos Josh Bayer and his dog, Cooper, who is one of the family's rescued pets. Josh wrote a book, the proceeds of which will benefit animal rescue. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story Click here to enlarge this photo Josh Bayer, 8, and Josh Joson with the display of "M-M-M Monsters!!!," a book to benefit local animal rescue groups.

There are monsters in the basement. Oh no!

That's the story Josh Bayer tells in his book, "M-M-M Monsters!!!"

It's "pretty much about a family that gets surprised by … monsters that are searching their house for something," Josh, a rising third-grader at Walter. J Mitchell Elementary School in La Plata, said. "An abandoned mine in the basement with a portal to the monster world."

The monsters are trying to go home, Denise Bayer, mother of three, added.

The fictional family was scared at first, but instead of harming the monsters, the family learned to understand them and be kind to them, Josh said.

The story represents a lesson he hopes people will apply to animals.

Josh not only wrote the book but also drew all of the pictures.

All proceeds from the book will go to the St. Mary's Animal Welfare League, Charles County Humane Society and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to benefit animal rescue.

SMAWL President Barb Whipkey said she was overwhelmed to hear that they were selected as recipients of Josh's book's proceeds.

"This is such a generous thing for such a young man of his age to have done," she wrote in an e-mail. "I have read the book and the story line is a very educational one. I can see teachers and parents using this book to align with the work that we are doing in animal rescue."

Josh is a very kindhearted boy, Whipkey said, adding that SMAWL will be able to save many animals' lives through his work.

When asked about his inspiration, Josh responded "if you haven't heard, I love animals."

The family has three dogs and one cat — Cooper, a great dane/lab mix rescued by SMAWL; Sammy, a schnoodle (a schnauzer-poodle mix); Delilah, a beagle rescued by Lucky Ones; and Roxy, a feral cat Josh rescued.

About six months ago, Josh got on the "we need to do more" kick, his mother said.

"We suggested if he finished his current book, we would have it published to raise money [for animal rescue]."

He worked on it every day for months, she said.

"We are really proud of him," Denise Bayer said. "He's done everything people have asked him to … He's been part of the entire process."

It's a great way to help animals and also show him how to make a difference, she said. "It's a life lesson at age 8."

spoynor@somdnews.com

To get a copy

"M-M-M Monsters!!!" is on sale online at www.bayerhouse.com/monsterjoshbook and at Joson's Fine Jewelry and Boutique on La Grange Avenue in La Plata and Pepper's Pet Pantry in Solomons Island.