Monkey Do! - Hardcover

One spunky monkey scampers through this lighthearted book, in which impeccably paired collaborators Ahlberg and Amstutz (The Ghost Train; Mystery Tour) prove uproariously true the adage "monkey see, monkey do." This perceptive little primate manages to do a great deal after letting himself out of his cage with the zookeeper's keys. Following a quick rest in a joey's spot ("Here's a bouncy kangaroo/ With a pocket full of mischief.../ Monkey see,/ Monkey do!"), the feisty hero climbs a giraffe's neck to escape over the zoo walls. While using repetition to humorous effect, Ahlberg keeps his rhyming verse fresh by varying the refrain: "Crowded playground,/ Kids galore,/ Game of soccer?/ Monkey score!" Amstutz's bustling watercolor-and-ink scenes and spot art show the long-tailed hero in constant motion as he sums up numbers on a classroom blackboard, peeks out from a loo stall and rescues a kitten stranded atop a flagpole. Preschoolers will gleefully chime in as they enjoy this irrepressible monkey business. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreSchool-KAA mischievous monkey steals the zoo keeper's keys, lets himself out of his cage, climbs up the back of a giraffe, and heads over the wall. Throughout the day, he imitates all he sees, delivering mail, playing soccer at the school playground, doing sums like the teacher, etc., until he finally returns home for the evening. Unfortunately, this monkey lacks the vitalilty and originality that Curious George brings to his adventures. The rhyming text is adequate, but the watercolor-and-ink illustrations are oddly lifeless, especially considering that they include a crowded playground and other chaotic settings. This little monkey should have stayed home.AChristine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.