Monika McKenzie, Author

Monika McKenzie is a mom, yoga instructor, part-time interior designer, and the author of Riv and the Avocondo. Born and raised in progressive Oakland, CA, Monika has always had a passion for social justice and equality. While working as a career nanny in Los Angeles, a child she was looking after had an adorable mix-up with the word "tomato." The mix-up got Monika's wheels turning about a book series centered around fruits and vegetables. Riv and the Avocondo emerged as the first book of the series, with Riv being a nonbinary character of color. Monika's intention for the series is that Riv will encourage children of marginalized communities to take up space, to travel, to feel entitled to light-heartedness and joy, and to be grounded in who they are simply through representation. 

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Monika currently resides on the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband, toddler, dog, cat and bunny. She is a big fan of yoga, meditation, good music, and the ocean.