Your book | Our mission

There's a book inside everyone. So what's your story?

Monika Pilekic

Monika Pilekic is an Australian children’s author with a background in journalism and marketing. Her writing is inspired by emotional honesty and family life. As a mother of two, Monika has developed an appreciation for the ways children experience and express their feelings. Her storytelling is engaging, rooted in everyday moments, and illustrates how sometimes those little chaotic moments of parenting reveal something meaningful about how children understand the world. Monika aims to create stories that help families talk about emotions and how our bodies reveal a lot about our experiences, using simple, playful, and relatable storytelling.

When she isn’t writing, Monika enjoys long walks with friends, getting out in nature with her family and baking (though, preferably when she has the kitchen to herself!). While she doesn’t claim to have all the answers, Monika writes from the belief that slowing down and listening, both to children and ourselves, can help us respond with more understanding and foster deeper connection.

Monika’s first-published book, Tummy Tiger, was inspired by her experience as a mother navigating the big emotions of early childhood. Her daughter often described the feelings in her tummy when she was hungry, nervous, or upset, and the sounds it made. One day, Monika’s husband named it ‘Tummy Tiger’, and it stuck as a term for understanding emotions. And so, a story was born, one that not only focuses on behaviour but also on what might be happening inside the body.

About the book

Tummy Tiger

Meet Tummy Tiger. He is the little tiger who lives inside your tummy and feels everything you do. When you’re happy, Tummy Tiger bounces and shines. When you’re hungry, he grumbles and growls. When you’re nervous, sad, or overwhelmed, he curls up small and quiet. Follow Tummy Tiger through a day full of big feelings and cosy moments. Together, we’ll discover how your body helps tell you what you’re feeling inside.

Tummy Tiger is Monika Pilekic’s first published children’s book, and boy, has it earned its stripes! This warm and playful story helps children recognise their emotions and reminds them that every feeling deserves to be noticed. Tummy Tiger is a comforting reminder to listen to your heart (and tummy!). It’s sure to be a family favourite and may help you listen to your own tummy tiger.