June 1, 2021
Introducing a fascinating primate community. Fourteen different species of monkeys live together harmoniously in the tropical splendor of the Man� National Park in southeastern Peru. Readers learn that these delightful creatures maintain their peaceful co-existence due to the varying altitudes at which they live among the trees and because of their different sizes, diets, and behaviors. Information abounds: Each species, aptly shown in an arboreal setting, is introduced and identified via a charming boldfaced couplet on facing pages of double-page spreads. Verses that mostly scan well present very basic facts about diet, habits, locomotion, and/or vocalizations; text set in a smaller font provides more-substantive information; pronunciation guides are provided where needed. For younger readers, the book may first be enjoyed via rhymes alone. Supplementing the rhymes and informative paragraphs in each spread is a small image of a tree against which an orange circle indicates the height in the rainforest where each monkey lives. Jenkins' signature splendid illustrations, cut- and torn-paper collages, realistically depict the monkeys as colorful, lively, wide-eyed, winsome, and endearing; fur appears palpably plush. A page that requires a 90-degree turn at the conclusion elaborates on the altitudes in the rainforest at which the various species dwell; backmatter material includes thumbnail pictures and additional facts about all the monkeys featured. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Captivating, informative, and useful as a browser and learning tool for primate aficionados. (sources, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 4-8)
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July 1, 2021
PreS-Gr 2-While monkeys are always appealing to young children, this book digs deeper into the lives of these 14 monkeys using Stewart's beautiful, descriptive, and age-appropriate vocabulary, and Jenkins's familiar cut-paper collage illustrations to match. The informational bits provided list the diets, behaviors, and activities that make these monkeys most engaging for young readers. From the outset kids are pulled into Peru's Man� National Park with bite-sized information about where each monkey lives in the trees and their size relative to humans. Each two-page spread offers a short rhyme about some aspect of the highlighted monkey's movement, vocalizations, or other habits. There is further detailed information about each monkey in blocks of text to the side of the vivid illustrations. Attention is given to every species listed and whether they dash, scurry, or sprint one is pulled into these enticing pages by both the art and the language. For those species that are active at night the background becomes fully dark, a technique that really pulls the reader into the page and makes the illustrations pop. The book's final pages include maps and detailed information for each monkey, listing predators, lifespan, "field notes," and more. VERDICT A terrific additional or first purchase for young children to enjoy the wonders of life as a monkey in the Man� National Park.-Linda Annable, Newport P. L., Newport, OR
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July 1, 2021
Grades K-2 Here Jenkins' realistic cut- and torn-paper collage artwork combines with Stewart's fun and informative text to introduce readers to 14 special kinds of monkey that coexist in the Peruvian forest of Man�. Each double-page spread is dedicated to one of the 14 species, with the large, up-close illustrations depicting them in their daily lives as they play, eat, and jump from tree to tree. On the left-hand side, a light, rhyming couplet introduces the subject, while on the right-hand side, a more detailed paragraph provides additional information, and a small infographic shows readers the canopy height at which each monkey lives. Readers will learn about diet preferences, predators, and daily habits of each type of monkey, highlighting similarities and differences. Back matter includes additional facts about each creature, along with more visual references. A great choice for young animal- and science-lovers searching for their next nonfiction read.
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