ian munroe

The Legend of Moka Monkey King: A lost and wandering young monkey’s life is dramatically changed by a dolphin’s spirit.

Home: A girl learns acceptance and hope with the help of her forest animal friends.

Years ago, as a public school teacher, I read The Legend of Moka Monkey King to over two thousand students from grades six to twelve. During that time I never told anyone that I was the story’s author. I was looking for sincere responses, not polite compliments. I found Moka was always very well received. I would meet students from those classrooms years later and they always remembered Moka.

When I read Moka to classrooms below grade six, I generally found that their undeveloped ability to abstract made understanding the story difficult for them.

Adults who read Moka have consistently told me they enjoy the story and that I should publish it.  For these reasons I call The Legend of Moka Monkey King “a fairy tale for adults age 12 and up.”

Home also falls into the category of “a fairy tale for adults” for the same reasons. Although I have given it less exposure than Moka, it too has also been very well received.

 Moka is a story about the power of the Golden Rule.

Home is a story that came to me while considering the ancient Hindu phrase “Thou Art That” which is believed to point an individual toward enlightenment. “Home” combines this concept with the following:  In my own life I have noticed that when person has what I believe is a good or enlightened spirit their inner beauty shines beyond superficial and cosmetic appearances. They radiate attractiveness to others but on a much deeper level.

I hope my stories will entertain you.