Jeff Kinney

Monster Reviews
Nap-A-Roo
by Darleen Wohlfeil
Oh, there is nothing like the little board books that introduce our little ones to the joys
of reading! Nap-A-Roo, written by Kristy Kurjan and illustrated by Tyler Parker, is true to
its genre. Simple words that flow with ease, bright colors and animation to capture the
attention and a rhyming rhythm that carries it through. It’s fast, fun and engaging, and will
keep them wanting to read it ... one more time!
Sophie’s Animal Parade
by Darleen Wohlfeil
Sophie’s Animal Parade, written by Amy Dixon, brings us face to face with pertinent issues at
the earliest stages. First, we encounter the connection between thought and word upon our
reality. Then gently led into the ability to think a thought through to a satisfactory end from
the beginning. These are major concepts to be learned and embraced, and the younger we
do so, the better it is. We watch Sophie grow in life skills as we turn each page. We look on
as she discovers the magic of her mind, and the ability to bring forth reality from its inner desires. She then helps
us realize thought must be full and able to fill its intended purpose. In her desire to have a tea party with friends,
she begins to imagine her intended guest. We quickly learn all things desired may not be appropriate. Our first
guest is an adorable polar bear, who quickly becomes uncomfortable in the warmth of Sophie’s room. With quick
wit, she brings forth a ready solution, an igloo, and our party goer is comfortable once again. However, now he is
unable to reach the table holding the party’s tasty morsels. Sophie decides to think of a new guest, who may be
more suitable to her intentions, but one by one, each is presented with limitations. Trial and error, patience to try
again, the ability to restructure and regroup, are all amazing life lessons we need to succeed, and we see their value
in the parade of guests that lead Sophie to her perfect guest, and ultimate outcome. Illustrations by Katia Wish fill
in with color, and yet again, reinforce the wonder of bringing concept to life. From thought to reality, Dixon and
Wish have successfully brought us an engaging experience with the possibility of lifelong effects.
Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
by Darleen Wohlfeil
We all remember the outrageously funny film version of our story, Home Alone. It tickled the
funny bone of the nation, and still holds a Number 1 slot among the greats. It’s always fun
to watch a good movie over and over, and it’s equally fun to re-read a good story. So often we
find things we may have missed the first time around, or a fresh mood may gravitate to new
points of interest we never considered before. But, no matter how many times we see the film
or read this story, one thing is always clear. What we think we want in a heated or saddened
moment, may not be what we want at all. Kevin thought he wanted his family to disappear. He thought it would be
great to be alone, and for a moment or two, it was! The moments stretched into hours, and the hours into days, and
Kevin began to realize he missed his family and he really wished they would come back. Kevin also learns in his time
alone that quick judgements may not always be accurate judgements, like fearing the old man next door, who turned
out to be a helpful friend. Our familiar story has much to lead us from rash emotion to the benefits of a well thoughtout
plan.
StoryMonstersInk.com | NOVEMBER 2015 | Story Monsters Ink 35