by Cece Bell
First published 2006
Sock Monkey can barely contain his excitement when he discovers he has won the lead role in a singing cowboy film. The woolen actor will get to yodel, mount horses, and rope cattle on the big screen. There's just one problem that makes his stuffing squirm: the script requires him to kiss the female lead. The very thought of romantic scenes fills Sock Monkey with dread. Despite his terror, he refuses to abandon this career opportunity. He rallies his loyal friends to help him rehearse for the demanding role. Together they practice all the cowboy skills he needs to master. As filming approaches, Sock Monkey faces his greatest challenge. Will he find the courage to perform the dreaded kissing scene, or will his panic send him galloping away from his Hollywood dreams? The beloved toy actor must overcome his fears to deliver the performance his fans expect.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, comedy
Vibes: emotional, whimsical
Tropes: overcoming-fears, reluctant-hero
32 pages · Hardcover · Candlewick Press