Charlotte Yates & Ruth Paul Release New Song For Tamariki: Help! A Monster Ate My Story

Musician Charlotte Yates and children’s author and illustrator Ruth Paul have teamed up for a brand new children’s single, HELP! A MONSTER ATE MY STORY, released on 23 January. Funny, warm and full of imagination, the song is supported by NZ On Air Tamariki and arrives alongside a charming animated music video. It is also the theme song for Ruth Paul’s new stage show for children, HELP! A MONSTER ATE MY STORY which will be performed during the April school holidays at Circa Theatre in Wellington.

The new kids’ anthem is a big hearted celebration of creativity and perseverance. It tells the story of a children’s author who cannot come up with a new idea because a monster has eaten her story. The monster becomes a playful metaphor for that moment when your brain feels scrambled and ideas feel just out of reach. Rather than giving up, the song encourages tamariki to keep going, walk it out, listen to their voice, brainstorm and do whatever it takes so their story can be heard.

Created by videographer Phill Simmonds and directed by David Copeland, with original illustrations by Ruth, the music video brings the story vividly to life. Ruth appears on screen alongside animated animals and characters she has drawn from her much loved picture books. Lion, Jellyfish, T Rex, Kiwi and friends leap off the page and onto the screen, each with their own distinct personality, as they band together to confront the Mish Mash Monster, who threatens their very existence by eating their stories. With character voices, a playful call and response feel, a singalong chorus and an engaging mix of funky brass and groove, the song and video are immediately inviting for young audiences.

Charlotte says the song came from a desire to reassure children that getting stuck is part of being creative. “When your brain feels fried and nothing seems to work, that is often the point where you want to give up. This song is about doing the opposite. You keep going, you walk it out, you might collaborate or try another angle, because everyone’s story deserves to be heard.”

Guest musicians include Tom Callwood (double bass), Riki Gooch (drums and percussion), Steve Roche (trumpet) and Janet Roddick (trombone), joining Charlotte who arranged and produced the song and performs vocals, guitar and keys. Lyrics are co-written by Charlotte and Ruth.

HELP! A MONSTER ATE MY STORY will be available on all major streaming platforms from 23 January. Tickets for the stage show will be available from 12 February.

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