Dewey Does 110%

A Monster Ate My Sneakers: The Dream, the Sneakers, and the Chest Dewey Would Not Open

Dewey woke up sure something had moved.

In the dark, a shadow slid toward his sneakers, Speedy and Fifth Gear. Their laces stood up like tiny lightning bolts. Funny. And not funny. He tried to yell. Nothing came out. Then the dream ended.

Except the room looked exactly the same.

That is how A Monster Ate My Sneakers begins: one creepy dream, one pair of sneakers, and a pirate chest Dewey has not opened since he was four. His dad called it a magic chest. For five years Dewey left it alone. Every time he got close, his stomach said no.

Tonight his stomach loses.

He pictures what his friends would hide in a chest like that. Trevor Sparks and a pair of sunglasses. Fussie Fran, who cannot keep a secret. If she knew about the chest, the whole school would know by lunch. Dewey is done waiting. He walks over, puts both hands on the lid, and the story takes off.

A Monster Ate My Sneakers is a children’s mystery adventure about a boy, his sneakers, and the secret he finally decides to face. It mixes a little scare, a lot of humor, and the kind of question that keeps a reader turning pages: what has been sitting in that chest the whole time?

Written by Thomas M. Kinslow and inspired by a true story, the book is built for kids who like sports, bold friends, and stories that do not sit still. Speedy and Fifth Gear are only the start. The chest is the door.

Ready to open it with Dewey? Download A Monster Ate My Sneakers .com and find out what was waiting in the dark.

A safe youth athletic training program for beginners should build movement confidence, coordination, and enjoyment before it asks children to train harder or compete. Parents can choose well by checking coaching quality, age-appropriate progression, supervision, recovery practices, and whether the schedule fits the child and household.

What should parents look for before choosing a beginner athletic program?
Parents should choose a beginner program that teaches broad movement skills in a supportive setting rather than emphasizing early specialization or intense competition. Families often begin researching youth athletic training programs because a child wants an organized activity, needs more confidence moving with peers, or would benefit from a positive group routine that supports general fitness.

Look for activities that develop balance and coordination, mobility, basic strength, and endurance through games and age-appropriate drills. Ask about group size, qualified coaches, session length, equipment, communication with families, and how instructors adapt activities for children with different skill levels. The best fit also reflects the child’s schedule, current activity level, comfort with groups, interests, and willingness to participate.

Start with the child’s reason for joining
The child’s reason for joining should guide the program choice. A child seeking confidence may need playful skill practice and encouragement, while a child looking for a group routine may value consistent sessions and cooperative games. We recommend asking what the child hopes to try, then choosing a setting where participation feels meaningful rather than forced.

Match the program to age, readiness, and interests
A beginner athletic training program should match instructions, equipment, intensity, and session length to the child’s development and readiness. Ask whether coaches welcome children with little experience and can modify running, jumping, throwing, or balancing activities. A program connected to the child’s interests is more likely to support regular participation and an active lifestyle.

How can a youth training program build skills without pushing beginners too hard?
A youth program can build athletic ability safely by moving from simple patterns to more complex drills in small, understandable steps. Coaches should first teach running, jumping, landing, throwing, catching, balancing, and changing direction, then combine those skills in playful activities.

Clear demonstrations, short instructions, repeated practice, and friendly challenges help children learn without feeling overwhelmed. Children should have opportunities to work, recover, drink water, ask questions, and adjust an activity. A coach can change distance, speed, balance demand, resistance, or rest time instead of treating every child as if they have the same capacity.

Use movement foundations before sport-specific drills
Movement foundations should come before demanding sport-specific patterns because they give beginners the control needed to participate safely. A coach might practice soft landings, stopping under control, changing direction, or catching a large ball before adding speed, smaller equipment, or competitive rules. This approach supports balance and coordination across many activities.

Increase challenge gradually
Challenge should increase through one manageable change at a time, such as a slightly longer distance, a new direction, or a shorter but still comfortable rest interval. Coaches should watch form, attention, breathing, and willingness to participate before progressing. If a child becomes confused, unusually tired, or uncomfortable, returning to an easier version is the appropriate adjustment.

📚 Make story time a springboard for healthy conversations with Dewey Does storybooks.

As you read together, pause to talk about how children can work together, enjoy movement, and make healthy choices. It’s a simple way to connect literacy with active lifestyles, and every purchase supports the Dewey Does Foundation’s work promoting literacy and active lifestyles for children.

- What does teamwork look like in the story?
- How could the characters add more movement to their day?
- What healthy choice might they make next?
- Read 'A Monster Ate My Sneakers' today

Small moments can spark big movement. 💚 Try these simple ideas for family active play:

- Dance to a favorite song
- Turn tidying up into a movement game
- Take turns showing a favorite sport move
- Keep it playful and give 110%!

Dewey Does 110%! Author of A Monster Ate My Sneakers 📚🏀 Kids books, apparel & animation. Life is a sport—play it to the fullest!

🌟 If your child could choose one active-play adventure for a “give 110%” weekend, what would it be?

Maybe it’s practicing a favorite sport, dancing across the living room, racing around the yard, or finding another fun way to get moving. At Dewey Does, Dewey inspires children and families to enjoy sports and healthy activities through vibrant, theme-based apparel and educational materials.

We’d love to hear how your family makes movement feel fun at home. What activity gets your child excited to jump in, play, and keep going? Share your ideas below, your answer might inspire another family’s next active-play moment! 💬