Monkey Baby Grows Up

School Library Journal

PreS-K-Simple text and average-quality photos combine to introduce a charming newborn African monkey, a red-crowned mangabey. Following the primate throughout the Los Angeles Zoo's specially designed habitat, Hewett photographed Gabbie on stone-wall perches, clipped-grass patches, leafless boughs, and bamboo bridge frames. Meager information about her physical and social development is revealed as she progresses from a clinging, suckling baby to a bold, curious explorer accepting fruit treats from zookeepers. While the book ends with the animal's sixth month, a time line generalizes her life to her first birthday, completed by more information about monkeys and zoos. There is no need for the seven-entry index that appears on the copyright page. A book best left for the zoo's gift shop.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.