Sonny the Monkey

Sonny the Monkey has been described as “a magical combination of Appalachian storytelling and woodcarving artistry.” Written by Mike Norris with carved illustrations by renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins, the book includes a musical version of the tale so Sonny’s adventures can be read or sung.

photo credit:  John Hockensmith

MIKE NORRIS WINS THE 2022 LITERARY ARTS AWARD

The writings of Mike Norris are typically described as books for young people, but they are most often reviewed as “appealing to all readers from children to adults.”  His stories and poems are multi-layered and can be read again and again to reveal new levels of meaning and literary artistry.  They have been extravagantly praised by reviewers and some of Kentucky’s most illustrious writers, one of whom said, “These tales and rhymes are timeless and will be on bookshelves a hundred years from now.”
Each book is a one-of-a-kind combination of inspired, imaginative rhymes and illustrations not drawn or painted, but carved by legendary Kentucky folk artist Minnie Adkins.  In addition to the literary quality of the writing, Norris’ wide-ranging talent is reflected in striking page design, art-quality photography of Adkins’ carvings, and the composition of songs to complement each book.  A Louisville Courier-Journal review described Rhymes from the Mountains as “an artistic treasure for both story and art.”

Lexington’s Arts Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, 21st July 2022 at

The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Center
Doors Open 11:00am    Lunch Served at 11:30am    Awards Presented at 12 noon.
Individual Tickets are $45 each   –   Table for 8 people is $320

https://www.artsconnectlex.org/lunch-reservations-2022.html