Max & The Purple Anxiety Monster

by Judah Friedman

Max & The Purple Anxiety Monster is a touching story about a boy named Max as he moves to a new city and grapples with anxiety. His fears, embodied by a purple monster, loom large as he adjusts to his new home. Max learns ways to minimize his anxiety, thereby shrinking the monster's influence, such as writing in a journal and making new friends. Max's story of coping with anxiety is common amongst young children, and the visualization of the Purple Anxiety Monster is a helpful way for children to "name and tame" some of the big and fearful feelings they experience. Max & The Purple Anxiety Monster is a tale that teaches children the power of friendship, self-confidence, and coping strategies in facing change and fear.

About the Author

At only 12 years old, Judah has a heart full of stories and a mind brimming with imagination. This book is inspired by his own experiences, offering a comforting voice to children navigating the complexities of change and anxiety. When he’s not writing, Judah is a tech-savvy YouTuber and an enthusiastic player of VR games like Gorilla Tag. He has an entrepreneurial spirit and is a hard working student. Judah is a loving and doting brother and son, a great friend, and caring pet owner to his pet hedgehog, Harley Quill. Join Judah on this heartfelt journey as he explores the power of resilience and the magic of friendship.

About the Illustrator

Jon Friedman, a tech executive and designer at Microsoft, uniquely blends technology and artistry by creating this book's illustrations through collaboration with AI, adding a modern twist to traditional storytelling. As the father of the young author Judah, Jon's contribution is both professional and personal. He shares a love for pickleball with his wife and best friend, Miriam, and has immense pride in his three children, Judah, Iyla and Jacob, who are blossoming into remarkable young adults. Jon's diverse interests as a technologist, perpetual creator, serial entrepreneur, and enthusiast of active sports like basketball, snowboarding, and biking, infuses his work with dynamic creativity and passion.