Trockle!

The little monster has arrived at the Jones house! My boys and I were thrilled to get this book today. We've been reading reviews for it for awhile. Nathan and Neil couldn't wait to get into bed tonight so I could read them the story of Trockle. And, what a cute story it is! Little Stephen is scared to go to sleep at night because he thinks there is a one-eyed monster under his bed. Trockle, a little monster living under Stephen's bed, is scared to go to sleep because there is a big two-eyed monster on top of his bed. It's cute how Stephen describes the monster to his parents, and at the same time, little Trockle describes the kid monster to his mother. Inspired by her son, Holly Jahangiri has done a wonderful job of creating a story that's not only fun to read, but one that many kids can relate to. The pages are beautifully illustrated by Jordan M. Vinyard, who did an outstanding job of making a one-eyed little monster actually kind of, well -- cute! My favorite illustration is a picture of Trockle gnawing on one of Stephen's toy trucks while his mother, adorned with rollers and dust bunny slippers, holds a smelly old gym sock for Trockle to sleep in. All the pictures are adorable.

Nathan, Neil and I enjoyed reading this book tonight and I know we will read it over and over again. I think most of us can relate to the fear of thinking there is a monster under our bed at some point. I had that fear when I was little. I used to imagine the most horrible things -- like hands reaching from under the bed and grabbing me. Holly and Jordon have created a wonderful story that turns a childhood fear into something that's not so scary -- not even a one-eyed monster. Trockle is published by 4RV Publishing, LLC and can be ordered here. Between October 5th and October 13th, there is a special Trockle Trick-or-Treat Tour with some great prizes. Click here for more information. This is one monster of a cute story!