The Eyemonger
Daniel J. Solove
(Griffin Press Press 2020)
In a faraway land, a stranger arrives with promises of greater security in exchange for sacrificing privacy. His name is The Eyemonger, and he has 103 eyes. With the help of flying eye creatures, he spies on everybody. But his plan soon starts to go wrong…
The topic of privacy is rarely covered in children’s books. Written by the international privacy expert Daniel J. Solove, The Eyemonger discusses privacy in a way that children can understand. Ryan Beckwith’s rich and detailed illustrations create a fascinating gothic world of curiosity and wonder.
See the animated video of Daniel Solove narrating The Eyemonger.
Download a free handout for use to discuss privacy issues with children based on The Eyemonger.
Click here for other resources for parents and educators about privacy and children.
Praise For The Book
“Solove debuts in children’s literature with an age-appropriate, delightfully illustrated story concerned with issues of privacy. . . . Solove’s underlying theme and catchy rhymes sit perfectly on the cusp of children’s and middle-grade reading levels, and Beckwith’s eye-catching and brilliantly detailed illustrations will inspire young imaginations to soar. Solove’s background in privacy law is on clear display through the clever manipulation of the Eyemonger-who preaches “If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear”-until he at last understands that inspiration and creativity come to a standstill under his vigilance. . . . Beckwith’s evocative illustrations create a gaslit, vaguely steampunk mood that will remind readers of classic adventure tales even as the story takes on complex themes of consent and creativity. Despite the divergence from more traditional storybook lessons, the concept of government overreach presented in this uniquely cautionary fantasy will educate children and their caregivers as well.”
— Publisher’s Weekly Book Life
“Our 9 year old *loved* this book. It has beautiful illustrations and is fun to read out loud. Most importantly, this book does a really excellent job explaining why our privacy is valuable and why some people might not fully appreciate it. . . If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to talk about a very important issue or even just a fun story at bedtime, I highly recommend this book.”
— Woodrow Hartzog, Professor of Law, Boston University School of Law
“This is the perfect gift and joy to read with your kids–full of whimsy and fun and gosh, life lessons. This book will start a conversation with your kids that I know you will continue for a lifetime about what it means to have some privacy in our lives. Beautifully done.”
— D.K. Citron, Distinguished Professor in Law, University of Virginia School of Law
“I love this book – and I wish there were more books like this for children that explain security, surveillance, and privacy. The illustrations were gorgeous, and multi-faceted – every time I open the book, I see one more thing I hadn’t seen before. The prose is fun, quick, and whimsical.”
— Katelyn Ringrose, Future of Privacy Forum
“A well-crafted, important social tale with real-world relevance. . . . Solove expertly underscores the importance of personal privacy in a way that young readers will understand. . . . Beckwith’s appealing illustrations skillfully mirror the story’s mood.”
— Kirkus Reviews