Trockle by Holly Jahangiri, illustrated by Jordan M. Vinyard Ages 4-8 30 pages 4RV Publishing LLC April 2008 Hardcover     “A monster is under my bed!” a child cries out in pure fear. How many parents have heard that before? The number is infinite, and the phrase has sparked many a book and movie based on that concept alone. The whole point here: to turn a fear-inducing situation into an easy-to-handle comedy. Laughter is the best medicine, after all. Children seeing their fears in a humorous light is a wonderful step toward getting over their uncertainties. Jahangiri has used a marvelously creative approach with the “monster under my bed” theme. What if the monster under your bed is as scared of you as you are of him? What if everything you hear from him, he hears from you? What if his mom is soothing his fears about you, just as your mom is doing for you? A child's very real fears turn into a funny story about Trockle, the little monster under the bed scared of the big monster that sleeps above him. Imagination aplenty infuses this short story as both boy and monster prepare for another night of sleep. The creative usage of items that can be found in any child’s room make the story charming. Socks for blankets, dust bunnies for warmth, and other such little details turn a typical children’s book into a charming addition to any child’s library. Readily recommended to any parent whose child is scared of those monsters in his room.     web reviews   Sonia R. Polinsky/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)