Neighborhood
Spotlight
Spotlight on our neighbor, Elaine Levy, for the publication of her first children's book, If you Are Afraid of Monsters Here Is What To Do.
Her book features colorful illustrations and lovable monsters, all Inspired by her children and grandchildren. The book helps young readers overcome their fear of the dark.
If You Are Afraid Monsters
Here Is What To Do
Elaine has many more books in the works, each centered on common childhood worries or important life lessons.
Children’s author teaches kids bravery and to shine their light
MEET ELAINE WANICUR LEVY…
June 24, 2026
By MAAYAN GUTBEZAHL
Voice Assistant Editor
ELAINE LEVY
HOMETOWN: Camden, then Cherry Hill
AGE: 80
FAMILY: Husband, Ed; daughter, Lee; son, Stu; six grandchildren: Ben, Sadie, Ben, Theo, Clare, and Luke
FAVORITE HOBBIES: Going to the beach, being with people, being with children, decorating and creative endeavors
Elaine Wanicur Levy knows a lot about the kinds of things that kids think and worry about- -everything from what might lurk in the darkness when the lights go out at bedtime, to how life will change once a new sibling shows up at the home. After all, Levy has been working with kids for well over 40 years. In fact, she was the first teacher at the Katz JCC’s preschool in the 1980s at its previous location on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. After three years, she started an intergenerational program at Dubin House, where preschoolers and seniors would interact together.
“I would bring the kids in to have lunch (with the seniors), we would bring our tables and chairs in, and you know, there would be some interaction, but it would be good for the seniors,” Levy explained. “And sometimes magic would occur in that program. Sometimes you’d see a relationship develop between a senior and a child. And they’d see each other in the hall, and the child would run to the senior, their arms would be open, and they’d pick the kid up and hug them. It was wonderful.”
Now, 18 years into her retirement, Levy is taking her many years of experience with children and applying it to a new chapter in her life as a children’s author. Her first book, “If You Are Afraid of Monsters Here Is What To Do,” was published last month. The book aims to help children overcome their fear of the dark and any “monsters” who may be lurking, making them into cute, colorful and relatable characters who may be just as afraid as the children are. It features bright, eye-catching illustrations by Michele Collins, with monsters that are named after Levy’s children and grandchildren. And she’s just getting started: Levy says she has about 10 books completed so far, and plans to publish them over time in the near future. Each book focuses on a relatable worry that kids typically face, or they have an important lesson in them.
“Once upon a time, way up high in a gigantic tree, lived a monster family whose favorite pet was a bumblebee,” Levy read in rhyme from an upcoming book of hers. “Although it’s unusual to have a pet like this, they love this pet better than any dog, cat or fish.” The moral of the story, Levy said, is that it’s important to find what is right for you, because what’s right for one may not be a good choice for another.
Levy also hopes her stories will instill values that emphasize the importance of kindness. “It’s so important to teach kindness and morals and that you have to have your own identity. It’s a tough world out there,” Levy stated. “I write something in this book to be brave, be kind, and let your own light shine. And I think that that is so important in today’s society.”
“If You Are Afraid of Monsters Here Is What To Do” is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and other major retailers. To purchase fun book-related merchandise, such as t-shirts featuring colorful characters