Tales For Tra-La-La Day is the last book in the Monkey Mind Tales® Anthology Series by Steve Michael Reedy. On his way to the Tra-La-La festivities, a traveler shares six stories, entertaining a monkey. The selections include a story about a young girl, Melody, who is concerned about singing the Tra-La-La song. Her mother explains about the musician who wrote the words, and why the town only sings it once a year. Another tale is about Anna, who made "Long-Lastables" that would never break but harm the environment as they pile up. Other narratives include the origin of the Iceling Queen and how she saved the human spirit, a wish that can melt a town's greedy heart, and a lesson that shows how a hero's true strength is compassion.

Steve Michael Reedy's compilation echoes the spirit of the holidays with lovely meter and enthralling stories. Tom Fee's detailed illustrations capture the essence of the scene he depicts and delight a young reader's eyes. Caregivers could read a story each night during the holiday season or when the snow is falling, as one story alludes to the beginnings of something comparable to Valentine's Day. The poetry's almost perfect cadence and the author's ease with transitions pleasantly surprised me. I read every story and shared with my children, and they hung onto every word. The stories have similar subjects but do not have to be read in order, and readers who enjoy fiction with strong holiday themes will love Tales For Tra-La-La Day.

A day full of festivals - dancing, singing, stories, and a whole lot of fun – sounds great, doesn’t it? In Fardale, they even have a special song for that day, one that they only sing on that special festival day. It’s called Tra-La-La-Day. In Steve Michael Reedy’s Tales for Tra-La-La-Day, young Melody learns the importance of singing this special song only on Tra-La-La-Day. She can’t even practice it before the event and that has her worried. What if she makes a mistake or forgets some words? Charley wants to win the Vogsetter Tra-La-La Day Centerpiece Contest on this special day, but something is threatening his town and it all has to do with this contest. There are more tales to haunt and inspire and instill in all readers a sense of awe and determination to work together and make things right.

Steve Michael Reedy’s book, Tales for Tra-La-La-Day, is the final anthology in the Monkey Mind Tales series. Each story and poem is a parable, a tale of obscure origins that will capture the fascination of all readers, young and old alike. The tales read like fairy tales or legends of old. The subtle use of descriptive narrative and vibrant dialogue moves each story forward at an engaging pace. The line drawing illustrations are fascinating and add another dimension to each story. There is mystery mixed with fantasy and all manner of holiday themes which the author presents in rhythmic prose and inspiring rhymes. A fascinating and entertaining read.