"Corkey living under his bed and an alligator
friend PJ who lives under the bushes, also has a dog friend Snoopy who
occupies our
attic. "

Mitch,
One of my boys is having a problem with a little old man (not me) who lurks
in the darker places of his room right before bed.  It sounds like Alex has
got all the hot spots covered.  My son is comfortable after he witnesses me
telling the old man to leave and not come back.  I will now work on
conjuring up a Corkey or PJ.
Best,
Leland