Sock Monkey: Into the Deep Woods

Gr 3–6—An interesting collaboration between Millionaire, creator of the "Sock Monkey" comics, and animation artist, Danner. Both artists share a love of dark humor, as evidenced by the humorously bizarre and sinister plot of Into the Deep Woods. Popular characters from previous comics including Ann-Louise, a young girl; Mr. Crow, an old plush crow with button eyes; and Inches, a ceramic baby doll, are all present. Readers will be drawn into the fantastical plot as a monkey in the jungle struggles with a throbbing tooth. He plucks a hair from a wildebeest, ties it around his tooth, and tugs. Abruptly, the narrator becomes the falling monkey tooth. The tooth lands beside a rare orchid, and along comes Professor Rimperton who unknowingly digs up the tooth along with a rare orchid and that is how the tooth ends up in Ann-Louise's house. Through a series of comically unlikely events involving the tooth, the orchid, and Professor Rimperton's sock, Gabby the sock monkey is born, and adventures with Ann-Louise and the toys begin. During one of their treks, Ann-Louise is separated from her beloved toys. While on a quest to find her, the toys encounter many weird characters: a horrible glowing-eyed, hairy monster called the Amarok; Trumbernick, a wizened little old troll-type character who gives them a ride on his ship; some soldier bears who are protecting their mountain town. Millionaire's lushly detailed illustrations sensationally complement the outlandish plot. Combining elements from several children's classics, including Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth, Johnny Gruelle's Raggedy Ann Stories, L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Lewis Caroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this illustrated novel will satisfy young fantasy fans who crave murky wit. Also a solid choice for readers who have devoured Jeff Smith's "Bone" series (Image Comics).—Julie Shatterly, W. A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC