J D Monk

Slimy Slick J D Monk

This charming story details the nighttime adventures of Slimy Slick, our favorite banana slug, as he glides into danger on his way to devour the tasty treat he has been dreaming about. Along the way, he encounters an earthworm, a shrew, and a boy and his dog. This story is written for the 6-13 age group but appeals to adults as well through humor and fascinating facts. Readers will learn about the clever design of this gastropod and see how Slick uses his natural gifts to protect himself and to help him navigate through life in the wild. The ecological benefits of the banana slug are highlighted through the voice of a scientist, and slug anatomy and function are woven into the story to provide further educational value about these amazing creatures. The story, written by a retired teacher, provides 'reach' for readers to help maintain their interest and to promote higher learning. When read alongside an adult, magic can happen; this is a fabulous way to connect with the young reader. The emotional component builds as the story progresses and engages the reader even further. It's an endearing story that promotes environmental wisdom, creates tension when our hero's life is threatened, and provides humor and enjoyment for all readers. Humor helps to counterbalance the factual information presented, and the 11 cartoon illustrations provide a wonderful sense of fun. Many people find slugs to be unattractive, even repulsive, in appearance. This is truly a story that is both educational and fun, as well as being visually engaging. SLIMY SLICK is a story that will be read over and over again and passed on to generations, as it is a timeless tale.