Monkey and Me (by Emily Gravett)

Written as a rhyming game, the little girl and her gangly stuffed monkey invite kids to make believe along with them. First they waddle like penguins and, then, with the monkey stuffed inside her shirt, they bound across the page like kangaroos. Likewise, they mimic bats, elephants, and finally...monkeys! In the end, they are both worn out with play and snoozing peacefully while one of the make-believe monkeys gazes playfully over the table top.

With her usual muted red, brown, and gray tones and her cute, expressive characters, Emily Gravett has created another playful, quirky book for young readers to enjoy. Kids and their parents will find this one fun, and all too short. As the little actors get caught up in the "monkey see, monkey do" game, they will want the make believe to go on and on. And, more than likely, as the little girl dozes off at the table, they will take off on dramatic adventures of their own. Besides being a joy to read, this would be a perfect book for a beginning drama class.

Author: Emily Gravett
Illustrator: Emily Gravett
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: March 4, 2008
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $15.99
Read Aloud: 2
Read Alone: 6