This book really wants to be Touch Here, or Don’t Push the button. And while it is lovely, the illustrations are dark, and the effort is good, it’s just not good enough. ( )

This requires some adaptation for storytime, and it really depends on the audience. Not one to share on a sleepy day. ( )

This is an interactive book with very nice illustrations. In this one, the reader has keep from finding the crazy monkeys in the book. ( )

Summary:
In this postmodern picture book, the author begins by warning the reader to not open the book or risk letting out the monkeys. As the book progresses the monkeys enter the story and begin to paint themselves a playground of trees. Toucans join them as the author continues to warn the reader to quit turning pages. The story ends with directions to close the book at just the right time to trap the animals.

Personal Response:
I am so glad to have stumbled upon this book! The story is so appealing, and I love the way the author includes the reader in the story. The cover illustrations are not very flashy, and I think this book gets passed over at my libraries because it isn’t as appealing as more colorful covers. The inside illustrations are in the same muted watercolor style, but I think it helps the reader be an active listener instead of simply looking at the illustrations.

Curriculum Connections:
This postmodern picture book would make a great read aloud for young students, and they would enjoy the way the book speaks to them and invites them to be part of the solution. Kids love to “break the rules” or at least be in on the joke as it is happening. I absolutely plan to use this book in my library lessons.

My 23-month-old daughter’s eyes were big as saucers when we began to read this book. She is just learning about jokes so, to her, this book might have been a serious threat. When the monkeys appeared, and I laughed at their silliness, she realized that nothing bad was actually going to happen and began to enjoy the text. After we finish the book, and talked about it a little, she asked to hear it again. Now it’s one of her favorites.

The book reads as though the author is speaking directly to the reader. The child is introduced to some interesting vocabulary: “catastrophe”, “extreme measures”, and “toucans”. The book lends itself well to reading with great drama.

The watercolor illustrations are done mostly in shades of brown, black and muted red. The monkeys appear to be actually painting the page. The double-page spreads are filled with activity and imagination.

This is an entertaining book that children between the ages of two and seven will greatly enjoy. ( )