Common Sense Note
First-rate photography adds to this fascinating tale of a gorilla and her pet cat. Children will empathize with Koko as she comes to love All Ball.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Mary Dixon Weidler
Although this book's pages seem a bit text-heavy, the story of these two mammal friends captivates even the youngest listeners--and children seem even more engaged because the story is true. The photographs give the reader a closer-than-the-zoo look at one of our remarkable primate cousins.
Kids gravitate toward the story and are eager to share their own pet tales after seeing Koko and All Ball at play. And because the book expresses the despair and anger Koko feels after All Ball's sudden death, children who have also experienced the loss of a pet are encouraged to vent their feelings. Since Koko is renowned for her ability to communicate with humans, it seems appropriate that her tale opens the door for children to share their grief.
Plot Summary:
Children love pets, and Koko the gorilla is no exception. When her keeper asks her what she wants, Koko insistently replies--in American Sign Language--"Cat, cat, cat." Enter All Ball, a tiny kitten abandoned at birth, who isn't afraid of anything--even a 500-pound primate. This amazing true story captivates young listeners.
Related Books:
Another book that examines the loss of a pet is Fred ("Mister") Rogers's When A Pet Dies. Francine Patterson followed up with Koko-Love: Conversations with a Signing Gorilla; for more about apes, check out Ted and Betsy Lewin's Gorilla Walk and Jane Goodall's The Chimpanzee Family Book.
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ViolenceGentle Koko occasionally looks fierce and frightening, especially in pictures taken while she mourns for All Ball. All Ball is run over by a car and dies. Koko's grief is discussed thoroughly. |
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