Neat Freaks is a children’s adventure story book written by John Arvai III and illustrated by Adam Walker-Parker. What if there were handy little creatures, like elves, who would clean up your messes while you slept? Well, according to this book, there are. They’re called Neat Freaks, and they travel through the couches of living rooms and dens across the globe. When they find a really messy room, they sport wide grins of delight and they quickly get to work. Neat Freaks love their jobs. They get to play with the toys and dolls they find scattered throughout houses, and then they do what they love best. They leave the places they visit shining clean and neat, but there’s a price to be paid.

Neat Freaks reminded me of the fairy tale wherein the shoemaker is assisted at night by unseen elves, who help the overworked man by finishing his orders while he sleeps. Arvai’s Neat Freaks seemed to have the potential to do likewise for the two children in the story who, tired after a long day of play, went to sleep with chores undone. Alas, the Neat Freaks don’t seem to be as public-spirited as the shoemaker’s elves, though they must delight mothers and dads who have despaired of getting their kids to clean up after themselves. Arvai’s tale is suitably droll and funny, and Adam Walker-Parker’s illustrations make those mischievous and funny Neat Freaks come to life. Neat Freaks is recommended.

Neat Freaks by John Arvai III is a children's book that's perfect for encouraging young children to clean up. Told in an adventure format, we learn what hi-jinks the Neat Freaks get into when toys are left out after dark.  For parents that may be getting a little frustrated with toys and things left everywhere, Neat Freaks does a good job of encouraging cleanliness in a way that's relatable to young children. With fun imagery that brings to mind current animations like the Minions or Smurfs, Neat Freaks is sure to delight young readers. Arvai invites the reader on a journey of wonder and humor in a fun and engaging way.

As I was reading Neat Freaks, I felt it's a perfect story for bedtime and one that would resonate with parents and children alike. Each line of work evokes an image and mood that I'm sure will keep young readers returning to the page again and again. Arvai keeps the message of his work consistent with a tone that is lighthearted but lets each page carry a lot of emotional impact. Arvai uses a simple approach throughout that manages to capture the essence of his thoughts and convey them to young readers without weighing them down in a torrent of florid prose. In Neat Freaks, John Arvai III crafts a simple collection of words and images that is sure to sit with the reader long after the last page is read. I enjoyed Neat Freaks and feel that it would be a great read for anyone looking for children's stories with a message.