Sophie and the Sea Monster

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

Sophie is a worrywart. She worries about bats, wearing the wrong
clothes, thunderstorms, big dogs, snapping turtles, and losing her
homework. Most of all, Sophie worries that there is a sea monster living
under her bed.

When Sophie finally summons up enough courage to look, there is a sea
monster under her bed! He is small and blue, sings rather badly, and
eats socks—one from each pair. Most surprising of all, the sea monster
worries about things, too. Fortunately for both Sophie and her monster,
friendship overcomes fear. They read together, play together, and have
adventures together. Most important, they learn how to be less
worried—together.

Michael Martchenko’s brightly coloured, humorous cartoonlike
illustrations are a perfect complement to Don Gillmor’s fanciful tale.
For all children whose fear of the dark or monsters or whatever keeps
them lying awake, this delightful romp is the perfect choice. And for
all parents who have puzzled over the whereabouts of those missing
socks—at last, the mystery is solved. Highly recommended.