A riot of colour on every page (Monkey Puzzle - Julia Donaldson)

Member Name: moo2moo

Product:	Monkey Puzzle - Julia Donaldson
Date:	17/09/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly illustrations and fast flowing rhyme

Disadvantages: Sadly children eventually outgrow this wonderful book

Anyone who hasn't yet come across the Smarites Prize winning Monkey Puzzle with Axel Schefflers fabulous illustrations is in for a treat. Coupled with Julia Donaldsons superb rhymes this is a duo with a talent to equal that of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake, although targeted at a much younger audience.

Every page is a riot of colour and friendly characters covering everything from tiny insects and happy hairy spiders to a hungry elephant.

Monkey Puzzle is set in a flower filled jungle and follows the story of a lonely monkey and his search for his mum. An energetic friendly blue butterfly helps him on his way by following the little monkeys descriptions of his mum which lead to lots of short lived elation as he finds the animal he has described meets his description but isn't his mum. This leads to much frustration on the part of the monkey and some great rhyming words which tumble out of your mouth as you read out loud. Theres a surprise to be found with every turn of the page.

My children adore this and every other Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson book they've ever had the pleasure of reading.

Monkey Puzzle is available as a board book (perfect for toddlers), a paper back and a big book which is ideal for group reading in schools, nurserys and playgroups.

Summary: A bookshelf classic for the under fives