Millburn HS Alum, Children’s Author Returns To Hometown

MILLBURN, NJ — A Millburn High School alum is returning to her hometown 20 years after graduation to read her recently released picture book, “Monsters On My Mind,” during an appearance at the Book House on Saturday, March 24.

Author, illustrator and educator Lauren Tortora, an English teacher in Marlboro Township and a resident of Freehold Township, said that she’s thrilled to return to the place where she grew up playing in Taylor Park, reading at the library after school, walking through town with friends and marching in Snowflake Parades.

The reading event is set for 10:30 a.m. on March 24 at the Book House on Essex Street in Millburn, and will include “fun, monster-themed crafts,” Tortora said. Signed copies of the book will be available.

Here’s how the former Wyoming School, Millburn Middle School and Millburn High School student describes her book, which she wrote and illustrated:

“Monsters on My Mind, is the story of Lily, a bright little girl with a big imagination. Lily is excited about practicing and using her imagination in silly and creative ways, until she creates some monsters. They get her into lots of trouble. She can't eat, she can't sleep, and she can't get rid of the crazy monsters that seem to have moved into her room. Will she be able to overcome her fears and continue to create pictures in her mind? Or will she decide the only answer is to get rid of her imagination? This story celebrates imagination and reminds children that they have the power to overcome their fears.”

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Photo: Lauren Tortora