BIG LITTLE MONKEY

Life may be grander on the other side of big Mango Tree, Little Monkey surmises, as he leaves his sleeping mama and siblings in search of new friends. With a “bim-ba-lah, bim-ba-lah,” he swings through the trees, meeting first Steady Sloth and then Proud Parrot. While Little Monkey insists he’s large enough to befriend these jungle animals, he soon realizes that their styles collide with his own fledgling plans for independence. Swinging along his journey, he then meets Sly Boa, who has plans of his own for this energetic monkey. Jungle greens dominate the story’s lush surroundings in Pratt’s acrylic illustrations, while bursts of red and blue occasionally serve to contrast against the darker backdrop. The text unfolds in a storyteller’s voice, punctuated by onomatopoeic refrains that listeners will learn quickly. Not surprisingly, Schaefer’s lively pace returns Monkey to the Mango Tree to enjoy the sweeter side of life in this gently predictable tale. (Picture book. 3-6)