Clarion Books—1989, Ages 3-6
USA TODAY says ★★★★ stars. “”. . . Christelow’s expressive monkeys pack a lot of appeal.”
— School Library Journal, ★ starred review
“This is pure silliness—just the kind kids like.” — ALA Booklist
IRA/CBC Children’s Choice
The Story:
“Five little monkeys jumping on the bed. One fell off and bumped her head. . .”
NO, I did NOT write that rhyme! It’s an old finger play and jump rope rhyme that has been around forever. My daughter learned it in preschool and taught it to me. I thought the rhyme would make a wonderful picture book. But I wasn’t an author-illustrator—yet.
Fast forward twelve years: I was the author-illustrator of five books, looking for a new project! I remembered the monkey rhyme. It was in the public domain, so why not adapt it into a book? Luckily, no one else had. Those five little monkeys moved into my life!
The Illustrations:
If you read all the monkey books, you’ll see my illustration style has changed over the years. This first monkey book was illustrated with color pencil, crayon, watercolor and ink.
Click on the blackboard for Monkey classroom ideas.
Read my dog, Emma’s, comic interview with the Monkeys!
Download a Five Little Monkeys Activity Kit!
