Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sock monkey has heart in mystery with charm, little sparkle.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When Throckmorton S. (for Sock) Monkey receives an invitation to Great-Grandmama's 90th birthday gala, he's taken out of storage and reunited with his keeper Annaliese, who's 9. Throckmorton thinks that if he can just do something important and memorable, he'll never be stored away again. But how can a mere stuffed toy, which can't even move or speak, do something memorable? As preparations for the big party get under way, Annaliese and her brothers discover clues to their mother's past and why she mysteriously abandoned the family. Annaliese hopes that with the entire family reunited, each with their own sock monkey handmade by Great-Grandmama, she'll finally learn the truth about her mother -- and maybe even find a way to meet her at long last.
Is It Any Good?
Early independent readers will enjoy seeing the world through Throckmorton's eyes. His feelings of powerlessness that come from not being able to move or speak will resonate with kids as they learn to navigate an ever-expanding world. They'll also admire Annaliese as she tries to find answers and never gives up.
Author Eileen Beha creates an intriguing and believable, if not particularly vivid, sense of place that's just outside of any specific time period. The simple language will make it easy for kids to access the story, but it also lacks any sort of rhythm, poetry, or sparkle. The mystery's not quite compelling enough to keep the pages quickly turning, but kids who like intrigue and unfolding a mystery at a slower pace will find a lot to enjoy here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about having a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Do you have a favorite toy or stuffed animal? Do you talk to it or hug it, the way Annaliese talks to Throckmorton?
What other stories do you know about toys with feelings? Do you have a favorite? Do you like The Secrets of Eastcliff-by-the-Sea as much as you like your favorite?
Great-Grandmama teaches Annaliese how to make a sock monkey. Has an older person such as a grandparent taught you how to do something? What did he or she teach you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sarah Jane Wright
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Beach Lane Books
- Publication date : August 26, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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