Synopsis
Written in simple, easy-to-read French and English, this sweet story about the parent-child bond is a charming introduction to a new language. It tells the story of Little Monkey, who, frightened by a storm, runs home to his mother. She reassures him that even in the vast jungle there is always one safe place for him. Little Monkey’s quest to find that place makes for a soothing bedtime story.
Barbara L. Talcroft - Children's Literature
Stories of reassurance abound in literature for the very young, since feeling safe and loved is so important to the earliest listeners; that way, there are always some books in print available to reassure. This gentle story, first published in Britain, tells of a baby monkey making a circular journey to find his "one safe place." In a pastel jungle full of bright birds and butterflies, Little Monkey climbs, swings from trees, and sleeps amid green leaves till a storm chases him home. Is it not enough that his mother cuddles and comforts him? Perhaps not—mother suggests that he find for himself the one safe refuge he will always have. During his search, Little Monkey encounters various hostile animals who cause him to move on; most are not too alarmingly portrayed in Winter's pale watercolors and leafy environments. The most frightening is a large green crocodile slanting across two pages with its open pink mouth displaying sharp white teeth. (If this were a real crocodile, the wily creature would have snapped up Little Monkey for lunch.) Still, he makes it home and finds his safe place in mother's loving arms, a satisfying if predictable ending. The active little monkey charms with his soft, furry body and his expressive eyes—young listeners and browsers will enjoy following him on his quest and identifying the wildlife he meets, but the best way to appreciate this monkey's tale would be to sit on someone's lap and end it with a hug. 2006 (orig. 2005), Frances Lincoln, Ages 2 to 5.