| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that Koko's kitten dies suddenly, and Koko becomes angry and sad.
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.
Although this book's pages seem 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.
Families can talk about Koko's loss. How does she feel when the kitten dies? Why is she angry? Families can also discuss communication. Talk about ways you communicate with words, and try learning some sign language.
| Author: | Dr. Francine Patterson |
| Illustrator: | Ronald H. Cohn |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Animals |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1985 |
| Number of pages: | 30 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 2 - 4 |
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