Sock Monkey: The Glass Doorknob

This book has delighted my children and the children of a friend as well. It has a sense of wonderment to it and it explains the changes of light through the seasons. We actually bought a glass doorknob and a sock monkey after reading the book.

I've been a fan of Tony Millionaire's for over 10 years now. I've always enjoyed his bizarre, sick sense of humor and his preoccupation with gore, suicide, and alcoholism. Now that I have an 18-month-old child, I would never dream of showing him any of Tony's "Maakies" strips or adult work. This book, though... this book is something wonderful and different. I hate the word "enchanting," since it's overused for all kinds of treacly, mass-marketed junk, but this book is, yes, enchanting. It pulls my son in like no book ever has. In fact, I think this is the first narrative (story-telling) book he's ever been interested in. I've read it to him at least 50 times, and still he keeps requesting it. The story is so simple and sweet that even the youngest child can understand the rudiments of it. Synopsis: One day, the four characters (including Sock Monkey and The Crow, the innocent stuffed-doll versions of Uncle Gabby and Drinky Crow) see a rainbow projected on the floor from a glass doorknob. The next day, it's gone. They collect every glass object in the house and place them all near the doorknob to "boost its power," to no avail. Then one morning the sun shines through the doorknob again, and "GAD-ZOOKS!" The room is full of rainbows! My son is a little too young to understand the rather subtle cause of the rainbow's disappearance, which is implied but never stated, but I think older children will get it. The best part of the book for adults is the amazing illustrations, full of sly wit. For anyone who's ever enjoyed the interior of a beautiful turn-of-the-century house, the details of molding, fixtures, and built-in cabinets are absolutely stunning, down to a 30's-style "push-button" light switch on the wall. I can't believe no one has reviewed this book before me, but I recommend you get it and enjoy the sweet mysteries of childhood with your little one. Then come back and write your own review and spread the word.