Embedded Files
THE STORY
“This island is home to a great hairy beast! With humongous feet and gigantic teeth. He eats with his toes while having his feast.”
***
The Wugamaloo is a FUN & EASY READ picture book with
37 pages, intended for children ages 4-8.
Do hairy monsters have families? Or do they live all alone?
“This island is home to a great hairy beast!
With humongous feet and gigantic teeth.
He eats with his toes while having his feast.”
When Bud, a lonely space kid, crash-lands on an island far from his home planet, he feels lost, frightened, and desperate to find where he belongs. Luckily, Amy—his brave new aviator-hearted protector—swoops in to help him face the unknown.
But this mysterious island is full of rustling bushes, bubbling waters, and something enormous watching in the shadows.
As danger closes in, Bud must face an even scarier question:
Can someone who feels completely alone ever find a loving home?
Can lost strangers become family?
Winner of the 2025 Story Monsters Approved Award, Picture Books Fiction Category.
The Wugamaloo is a wonder-filled, beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book for children ages 4–8 that explores adoption, friendship, courage, and found family.
Filled with colorful adventure, funny rhymes, and heartfelt characters, it’s an unforgettable read-aloud for any kid who loves monsters, mystery, and stories about finding home in unexpected places.
Perfect for bedtime, storytime, or anytime families are looking for memorable fun.
Features:
37 beautifully illustrated pages
A heartfelt rhyming read-aloud for ages 4–8
Themes of adoption, belonging, friendship, and family
Colorful adventure, mystery, and monster fun
Ready to crash-land into a new family?
Turn the page and find out.
Reviews:
"The Wugamaloo by Max Ramsay is an example of how a children’s book can be innovative and creative, without lacking morality and intentionality. Thus, the reader is transported and immersed from start to finish. Ramsay’s talented writing and virtuosic artistry culminate in a depiction of Bud’s grand journey, filled with excitement, wonder, and apprehension. He adroitly engages his audience while progressing the story toward its central message. At its core, the importance of friendship and trust supports the story’s momentum. Yet Ramsay’s craft maintains equilibrium by positioning Bud’s character growth as the story’s overall takeaway: forming one’s own opinions trumps rumors and preconceived notions. From the plethora of books I’ve read to my almost-three-year-old daughter, this story stands out. Not only is The Wugamaloo captivating, but it’s also one of those rare books I can read over and over with my little one sitting still to hear it again and again. I recommend this story as a fellow writer and parent to young readers, families, and anyone looking for a balanced tale that promotes compassion and empathy."
-Tessa H.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Max Ramsay reflects on his childhood in his debut book, The Wugamaloo. Growing up, he developed an appreciation for the power of imagination. Uniting mysterious creatures, he crafts a story of family and hope. This dreamy tale develops as each character conquers their own fears, emphasizing the importance of relying on each other. The characters were imagined through the lens of his very own family. Ramsay plans to continue writing more enchanting stories in the future, inspiring young and grown readers alike.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse