Each character in the WorryWoo Monsters series is based on an emotion. UpscaleBaby previously reviewed Rue, the Monster of Insecurity and Nola, the Monster of Loneliness and their associated storybooks. Other characters in the WorryWoo series include Fuddle, the Monster of Confusion and Squeek, the Monster of Innocence (storybooks are forthcoming for these Woos).

These plush characters are cuddly and soft and kids of all ages will love their bright colors, wacky looks, and signature belly buttons. Moreover, kids will be able to relate to the insecurities these monsters embody. Andi Green created the WorryWoos to encourage children and their caregivers to be open about their feelings. “It is okay to feel sad or lonely, and I think it is important that children know that they are not alone,” she writes. Kids certainly won’t feel alone with one of these friendly monsters by their side.

Each stuffed doll is approximately 11 inches tall and meets ASTM safety standards. They can be purchased for $21.50 each at the WorryWoo Store at shopatron.com. Storybooks retail for $14.50.

Although we’re still awaiting the arrival of our first child, reading will play a central role in our family activities. We’re thrilled to add this book to our growing library. Like the other books in the WorryWoo series, The Lonely Little Monster by Andi Green has an endearing moral. The story features Nola, The Monster of Loneliness, whose only wish in life is to find a friend. This charming tale chronicles Nola’s desperation and feelings of isolation and her ultimate delight at discovering friends who were there all along. The text is written in rhyme, which makes it flow well for reading aloud. Children of all ages will empathize with Nola and the story will encourage open and honest discussion of emotions.

What is really unique about The Lonely Little Monster Storybook, however, are the hand illustrations by Andi Green. The pages are full of beautiful, colorful watercolors that will encourage your child’s imagination and creativity. The book itself is truly a work of art. I would love to have some of the illustrations in poster-size for our nursery.

The Lonely Little Monster Storybook, which recently won a MoonBeam Children’s Book Award, is available in hardcover from the WorryWoo Store at shopatron.com for $14.50. An accompanying plush Nola doll can also be purchased for $21.50.

See also UpscaleBaby’s reviews of The Nose That Didn’t Fit and the WorryWoo Monsters series.

Kids seem to be able to relate to monsters. I don’t know why but even I, an adult, can find a warm spot in my heart for this funny little insecure monster name Rue. He’s the main character in the book, The Nose That Didn’t Fit. From the description, it sounds like a wonderful story that will facilitate plenty of heart-to-heart talks with your children. We’ve all had the experience of feeling that we just don’t fit in, so we can all relate. But as parents it’s just so much more difficult to see our children go through those tough times. Reading the simple story together could be a time for both parent and child to deal with feelings and emotions. Visit uncommongoods.com to order this set, priced at $36, which includes a plush Rue doll.