Monkey and Elephant: Candlewick Sparks

Description

Monkey may scamper and Elephant galump, but they're the best of buddies as they search for shade. That is, when they're not bickering about how to get there! Monkey and Elephant are very good friends. The live in the jungle, which is sometimes very hot! So the two friends set out to find a shady spot. On the way, Monkey complains that Elephant is walking too bumpity, too ziggy and zaggy. And Elephant complains that Monkey is being too bossy and too sassy. Will these very good friends find shade before they become very bad friends? Lush with funny adjectives and action words, this fresh take on the tale of unlikely pals, brightened with playful, graphic illustrations, is pitch-perfect for newly independent readers.

There's a Horton-esque quality about Bernstein's Elephant throughout, and both he and Monkey exude personality. This achievement in visual characterization is matched by Schaefer's text, which employs controlled word choices and embeds careful repetition in support of the emerging reader. A welcome addition to the early-reader shelf. -Kirkus Reviews Schaefer's rich and witty dialogue will charm and amuse early chapter-book readers. The digitally created cartoonlike characters are brimming with emotion and often surrounded by distinctive patterns of sunshine, leaves, and grasses. Children comfortable with Arnold Lobel's FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS (HarperCollins, 1970) and Wong Herbert Yee's UPSTAIRS MOUSE AND DOWNSTAIRS MOLE (Houghton, 2005) will enjoy reading about Monkey and Elephant. -School Library Journal This charming early chapter book is reminiscent of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series. One can envision subsequent Monkey and Elephant adventures lining the shelves of the library. The animals' friendship is genuine and they help each other out with humor and through the use of numerous action vocabulary words. -Library Media Connection