My Friend Gorilla

by Atsuko Morozumi

By the author of One Gorilla

When the zoo closes down, the zookeeper brings a gorilla home to live with his family for a while. At first, the zookeeper's small son is afraid of the big, furry visitor, but gradually this fear turns into friendship. The seasons pass, and it eventually comes time for the gorilla to return to his real home in Africa. Although sad to see his friend leave, the little boy treasures his memories, and especially the photograph her receives of his friend the gorilla enjoying the new friends he has made in Africa. In simple text and glorious pictures, Atsuko Morozumi tells the story of a special friendship.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Africa, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We own the English language version. Beautiful pictures, and a compassionate animal friend story (if perhaps a little unrealistic).

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful oversized picture book. My teens and young adults remember this fondly from when they were little. Morozumi makes the unlikely--a friendly gorilla who comes to live in a house with a human family-- believable. So believable that I had to say "unlikely" rather than "impossible."

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great artwork. Good beginning - weak ending.

[Nichole · Rating 2 out of 5]

What?

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gorilla illustrations in this book really stand out. I was transported back to visiting the gorillas at the zoo as a child and stretching my arms out against a painted outline of a gorilla to see how my own stature compared. Aside from the beautiful gorilla depictions, I loved the sweet story told in simple one sentence bits. The message at the end of the book would be helpful and touching to a child who is missing a friend who has moved or a pet who has died.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this story for my Valentine's Day/friendship themed Spanish and bilingual story time programs this year. I love this story because it's not too lengthy but demonstrates a profound message on friendship. The story is about a little boy whose father brings home a gorilla from the zoo. At first, the boy is afraid, but then he and the gorilla become the best of friends. After several seasons, the gorilla returns to Africa, leaving the boy with fond memories.

[Shelly Koressel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, its about this little boy gets to take home a gorilla from the zoo to raise him as a pet. He takes him where he goes, like to the park and to play. At the end his gorilla friend has to go back home to Africa,and he is sad. He has good memories of his friend. Preschool age loved this book at Chance School. Good picture book! Good book about having memories.

[Katie Scherrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this touching story, a young boy makes an unexpected friend when his dad brings a gorilla home from the zoo. When the boy must let the gorilla return to nature, he is sad. However, he always remembers the fun times that he had with his Gorilla amigo. This story uses minimal text, making it a great addition to Preschool or Family bilingual storytime programs on apes, friendship or feelings.

[Mom (Tash) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a "Storytime with Grandma Tash" book recomendation for my library-lovin' grandchildren...an imaginative, fun picture book with neat illustrations.

[Lera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tear-jerker. Have been compelled to read it lots recently.