Children's Author
About Monika
Monika Laame is a multilingual educator and storyteller dedicated to helping children understand and express their emotions. With over a decade of experience teaching preschool in Mexico City and a life shaped by living in five different countries, Monika brings a unique global perspective to her work.
Now residing in Illinois, she is fluent in English, Spanish, and German. When she isn’t volunteering at her local middle school library, Monika creates bilingual stories designed to nurture confidence, connection, and emotional growth in young readers everywhere.
Bella and the Purple Dress
A bilingual picture book about feelings, courage, and learning to use your voice.
Meet Bella, a lovable four-year-old Basset Hound who adores lavender flowers, juicy blackberries, and cuddling with her favorite Teddy. She can’t wait to celebrate her best friend Max’s birthday party filled with games, delicious treats, and a giant cake—until an unexpected problem leaves her feeling upset and unsure how to express herself.
With the gentle support of her mom and the comfort of Teddy by her side, Bella learns how to speak up about her feelings and ask for what she truly wants: her favorite purple dress. Through Bella’s journey, young readers discover the importance of emotional expression, self-advocacy, and kind communication.
Warm, comforting, Bella and the Purple Dress is a heartfelt story that helps children navigate big emotions while building confidence and emotional intelligence.
Perfect for children ages 4–8, bilingual families, and classrooms focused on social-emotional learning.
AGES
4-8
THEMES
Confidence, Kindness, Believing in Yourself
FORMAT
Paperback, Ebook
"The perfect bridge for bilingual families"
"Finding high-quality bilingual books that feel natural in both English and Spanish is often a challenge, but this story hits the mark. My children were immediately drawn to the charming illustrations, and as a parent, I appreciated how the story gave us a 'vocabulary' to talk about big feelings. It’s clear the author understands how preschoolers think and feel. This has become a staple in our nightly reading routine!"
— Elena R., Parent
"Empowering and Gentle"
"My daughter often struggles with confidence in new situations, and this book resonated with her so deeply. The story manages to be both entertaining and deeply nurturing. I love that it doesn't just tell a story, but actually models connection and emotional resilience. Seeing the dog, Bella, navigate her world made it so much easier for my child to talk about her own day. A beautiful addition to any home library."
— David S., Parent
"A Must-Have Tool for the Social-Emotional Classroom"
"As a fellow educator, I am always looking for resources that support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) without feeling like a lecture. Monika Laame’s experience in the classroom shines through every page. The bilingual text is expertly paced, making it a fantastic resource for dual-language immersion programs or inclusive libraries. It provides a gentle, effective framework for helping young students identify their emotions and build empathy."
— Sarah J., Early Childhood Specialist & Literacy Coach
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Thought provoking questions to inspire big conversations.
ACTIVITY SHEETS
Fun printable activities to extend the story.
CLASSROOM IDEAS
Tips and ideas for teachers and librarians.
For Parents & Educators
Download free resources and activities to make storytime even more meaningful!
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