More Tales For Your Monkey’s Mind is a collection of six new illustrated short stories written with the same imaginative and fanciful fervor as its predecessor. Author Steve Michael Reedy continues his look at the side effects of our social structure using dancing purple hippos, a giant clock, shooting stars, rhyme, and talking pink fuzzy bunnies.
In the book, Tilly Tiller and Cropper Roo meet a chef who wants to cook for their town, but they soon learn there’s a hidden cost and a secret behind her dancing purple hippos. James lives in a town run by a giant clock, and he sets off on a journey to stop time. Jordy Fin discovers he can change his world with a thought, and he learns just how powerful thoughts can be. Katie awakens to find that her town has been asleep for years, and she begins waking people up to ask what’s real and what’s a dream. Piper must face a hoard of pink fuzzy bunnies to save herself and her friends from a device that could ruin their town. Max is having trouble fitting into a town full of nutty people, until he discovers a hidden connection that he shares with everyone.
Reedy continues the use of his far-flung whimsy, delightful prose, and unique humor to examinethemes thatare universal to children, adolescents, and adults alike. As you journey through each tale, Reedy’s engaginginsight and quirky imagery will leave you feeling elated and inspired from the trip.
The Monkey Mind Tales Series has been featured in the October, 2017 edition of Story Monster Magaziene, and More Tales... just recieved First Place in the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.
“These tales blew my mind. After reading the first book, Tales for Your Monkey’s Mind, I did not think there were many concepts left to explore on such a deep level. Boy was I wrong. The new tales are every bit as magical and mesmerizing while also hiding that grain of truth that haunts us in today’s world. I truly think that not just parents and children but middle schools should read and discuss the meanings behind them. It’s a conversation worth having."
"Within the whimsical tales, Reedy broaches substantive matters that equally concern youth and adults, including the appropriate role of technology, the quest for perfection, and the need to embrace one's own individuality. While the stories raise complex issues, their tone calms rather than alarms as the children make sense of their world and their place in it... Overall, readers will find this an entertaining collection of empowering children's tales--one that is sure to enrich family story time."
“These fables are designed to help children make sense of the world around them and do so in a quaint, charming, and soothing way …these are tales that adults will enjoy reading as much as their children will enjoy listening to… these tales would work well in a classroom to spark conversation about the problems children might face and possible solutions to them. Using surprising elements like pink bunny bullies makes it easier for kids to look at real-world problems in a more objective way and talk to adults about them.”
(5 out of 5 stars)
“…reminded me of the children’s books I read growing up—simple, full of fun characters, rhymes, and just “happy.” The philosophical insights inherent in the stories are great and can be beneficial for kids, especially in today’s world. The end result is just fun, satisfying, and thoroughly enjoyable for both kids and adults.” (5 out of 5 stars)
"There's a refreshing maturity to Reedy's stories. He's not talking down to children, or underestimating their powers of comprehension, yet the stories never lose their core accessibility and playfulness. Overall, More Tales for Your Monkey's Mind will have kids laughing and intrigued by these uniquely imaginative stories. Reedy has an inspiring vision for this work, and the obvious passion and talent put into this book result in an electric work of children's fiction, which can inspire kids to read, or even be more creative themselves."
(4.5 out of 5 stars)
"Readers will be shocked, surprised and thrilled as they turn the pages of these short, but thoroughly engrossing, tales…the stories encourage children to be themselves and to dream and sing and enjoy the pleasures of childhood... sure to please even the most reluctant readers with its fast-paced prose, interspersed poetry and detailed illustrations."
