Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree

by Eileen Christelow

Clarion Books—1991 Ages: 3-6

“From the safety of their branch, five little monkeys taunt Mr. Crocodile, who responds by snap, snap,snapping… A gleeful rendition of a happy, familiar rhyme.” — ALA Booklist

IRA/CBC Children’s Choice—1992

The Story:

Five little monkeys sitting in a tree, teasing Mr. Crocodile, “Can’t catch me!”

SNAP!

Do those silly little monkeys survive their foolishness? Read the story; you’ll find out!

Some Background:

This is another monkey finger play my daughter, brought home from preschool. I loved the rhyme, but those monkeys did not meet with a happy ending! I filed the idea away.

When Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed became so popular, I thought about this second rhyme again. Could it just APPEAR that the crocodile ate the monkeys? Hint: Look at the illustration below—it’s on one of the last pages in the book.

The Illustrations:

This time I drew the monkeys in pen and ink. The color is watercolor crayon.

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!

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