Sock Monkey Rides Again

Reach for this book when your child is facing a new social milestone that feels 'yucky' or intimidating, like a first dance class, a school play, or even just the sudden awareness of 'cooties.' It is a hilarious, absurdist look at performance anxiety through the eyes of a toy monkey who has been cast as a singing cowboy. While he is brave enough to face the Wild West, he is absolutely terrified of the script's requirement to kiss his leading lady. Cece Bell uses a brilliant 'play-within-a-play' structure that allows children to distance themselves from their own fears by laughing at the dramatic antics of the protagonist. The book validates that being nervous is normal, even for 'famous' actors, while showing that sometimes we have to find creative ways to get through a stressful moment. It is perfect for children aged 5 to 8 who appreciate dry humor and are beginning to navigate more complex social expectations.