Maya and the Beast: Written by Maya Gabeira
Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
“Every Fear can be conquered and every Beast tamed.” With a tagline like that, you would think you were in a sci-fi or fantasy story, but Maya and the Beast doesn’t need a lot of magic to be real! Author Maya Gabeira is a Brazilian professional surfer. She set the 2018 Guinness World Record for biggest wave ever surfed by a woman. Maya broke her own record in 2020 with a wave of 73.5 feet! She writes a story about a young Maya who feels fragile as she suffers from asthma. However, the only place she feels strong is when she’s in the water! The giant wave they call “the Beast” is intimidating to the villagers. Maya thinks it’s beautiful! If she can get some help and muster up loads of courage she may be able to face her biggest challenge yet!
Illustrator Ramona Kaulitzki creates an atmospheric village with its people, the massive ocean, and of course a little Maya with her great courage to contrast it all! This is definitely an inspiring crowd pleaser for boys and girls alike!
Theme: Sports, Self-Esteem, Women and Girls
Suggested Ages: 5-8
