Early Lit Bits: Book Review — “Count the Monkeys”

Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett and Kevin Cornell

 This is not your typical counting book! It’s an interactive romp through the jungle, with the monkeys eluding the audience at each turn of the page. There is indeed counting in this goofy concept book, but instead of monkeys, we count mongooses (or is it mongeese?), crocodiles, grizzly bears and even a band of hungry lumberjacks! This book is perfect for reading to a group, inviting the audience to participate in the story as it progresses. Colorful illustrations combine with some serious silliness and make this book so much fun. Repeat readings of a story are a great way to get your child ready to read, so who is ready to count some monkeys…

 again?

-Liz W. at KDL’s Plainfield Branch

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.