A trio of misbehaving, mango-loving monkeys have a close call as the creator of Don’t Worry, Little Crab gives readers a taste of vicarious mischief.
Three little monkeys and their big monkey are sitting high on a branch in the forest canopy. “OK, monkeys! I’m off," says the big monkey. “Remember . . . Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there.” Mmm . . . mangoes! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangoes. Hmm . . . Maybe . . . maybe they could just look at the mangoes. That would be OK, right? With vivid colors, bold shapes, and his trademark visual humor, Chris Haughton is back with a deliciously suspenseful cautionary tale about pushing boundaries—and indulging your more impish side (when nobody is looking).---from the publisher
40 pages 978-1536220247 Ages 3-7
Keywords: monkeys, humor, mischief, fun, following directions, listening, temptation, 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old
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As Mother Monkey leaves her three babies high in the tree, she warns them not to go to the mango tree because of the tigers that are lurking. But the mangoes look delicious and the babies are very tempted. "Maybe we could just look at the mangoes..."
"Maybe we could just get that little one..."
"Maybe we could just go down there anyway..."
How far are they prepared to push the boundaries? Are there tigers lurking? Do the babies learn their lesson?
In the dedication, Haughton quotes Aristotle ..."For the things we have to learn before we can do, we learn by doing," and he has encapsulated this perfectly in this cautionary tale that young readers will love because they will all remember a time when they have been warned but the temptation has proved too great. With its repetitive text that little ones can join in with, there is a sense of suspense built up as well as a sense of urgency when they discover that their mother was right all along. Nevertheless, it also emphasises the need to be willing to take risks, perhaps not as dangerous as this, if we are to learn and move forward.
With his signature illustrative style, and its bold colours, the creator of Don't Worry, Little Crab has gifted our younger readers another engaging story that will become a firm favourite.
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations: 500 Hats https://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf https://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
Storybook Cushions https:// bit.ly/storybook_cushions
