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Knife and Fork
This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B01C2Z8RFA
Bholu, a monkey, comes to the city looking for adventure. In a short time he learns city ways and when he returns to the forest, he continues with them.
Kinife and Fork is Bholu's story and how he learns three important lessons:
"Monkey ways are right for monkeys just as human ways are right for human beings."
"Food and fun are meant to be shared with friends."
"Losing friends is easy, winning them back is not."
Knife and Fork is written in the tradition of fables of yore. The character of the monkey is bound to attract most children. The story itself can be used to start discussions with children about cultural differences, about friendship, and about accepting oneself.
Like the other books in the Chapter Book Series, Knife and Fork has short, easy-to- read chapters. making it suitable for all young readers, including Beginner and Reluctant Readers.
Bholu, a monkey, comes to the city looking for adventure. In a short time he learns city ways and when he returns to the forest, he continues with them.
Kinife and Fork is Bholu's story and how he learns three important lessons:
"Monkey ways are right for monkeys just as human ways are right for human beings."
"Food and fun are meant to be shared with friends."
"Losing friends is easy, winning them back is not."
Knife and Fork is written in the tradition of fables of yore. The character of the monkey is bound to attract most children. The story itself can be used to start discussions with children about cultural differences, about friendship, and about accepting oneself.
Like the other books in the Chapter Book Series, Knife and Fork has short, easy-to- read chapters. making it suitable for all young readers, including Beginner and Reluctant Readers.
ebook
Published February 21, 2016
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6 people want to read
About the author
Gita V. Reddy
59 books89 followersGita V. Reddy writes fiction for both adults and children. Her books for children are written when she takes a break from writing for adults, and vice versa.
She enjoys thinking up tales of different genres and has written historical fiction, women's fiction, and recently has made a foray into regency romance.
For a genre-wise list of her works, please go to https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
For children, Gita V. Reddy has written mysteries, adventure tales, fantasy, science fiction, and also a fable. Her published works include novels, short chapter books, short stories, and picture books for different age groups. Two of her short chapter books, Daksha the Medicine Girl and The Missing Girl are used as supplementary readers in some schools in India. Several of her short stories have been published in Children’s World, India.
In addition to writing, she is interested in art and has illustrated three picture books.
Gita Reddy also writes under the pen names of Heera Datta and Jessica Spencer (for regency romance.)
Ms Reddy is a post graduate in Mathematics. In an earlier life that she voluntarily quit in 2011, she was senior manager in a bank. She lives in Hyderabad, India, with her husband and son.
To know more about her and her writing journey, please visit her website, https://www.gitavreddy.com.
She enjoys thinking up tales of different genres and has written historical fiction, women's fiction, and recently has made a foray into regency romance.
For a genre-wise list of her works, please go to https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
For children, Gita V. Reddy has written mysteries, adventure tales, fantasy, science fiction, and also a fable. Her published works include novels, short chapter books, short stories, and picture books for different age groups. Two of her short chapter books, Daksha the Medicine Girl and The Missing Girl are used as supplementary readers in some schools in India. Several of her short stories have been published in Children’s World, India.
In addition to writing, she is interested in art and has illustrated three picture books.
Gita Reddy also writes under the pen names of Heera Datta and Jessica Spencer (for regency romance.)
Ms Reddy is a post graduate in Mathematics. In an earlier life that she voluntarily quit in 2011, she was senior manager in a bank. She lives in Hyderabad, India, with her husband and son.
To know more about her and her writing journey, please visit her website, https://www.gitavreddy.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 30, 2017
Bholu, an inquisitive monkey, decides to leave the forest to seek adventure in the city. He sees many wondrous things and, after watching a little girl eating in her garden, he learns to eat with a knife and fork. He returns to the forest and brags about what he has seen and his new manners. He is now arrogant and thinks he is superior to the other monkeys. His friends soon tire of his bragging and he finds eating with a knife and fork in the forest very difficult. Bholu is now very lonely, sad and hungry. A wise old monkey tells him it is better to be as a monkey should be. Don’t try to be what you are not, just be yourself.
Reddy’s short simply written chapter books help encourage the transition from beginner readers to more advanced readers. For reluctant readers the length will make it easier for them to finish a book. Younger readers will also be encouraged to read a page or two with the rest read to them.
The full series has books in different genres to give children a wide taste of stories.
The story was fun and the imagery was vivid. The moral of not being arrogant and just being yourself was easy to understand for small children.
Recommended for: 3 years plus – read to me
5 years plus – read alone
Reddy’s short simply written chapter books help encourage the transition from beginner readers to more advanced readers. For reluctant readers the length will make it easier for them to finish a book. Younger readers will also be encouraged to read a page or two with the rest read to them.
The full series has books in different genres to give children a wide taste of stories.
The story was fun and the imagery was vivid. The moral of not being arrogant and just being yourself was easy to understand for small children.
Recommended for: 3 years plus – read to me
5 years plus – read alone
March 24, 2016
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
CUTE! I loved this little story. It shows us how to try new customs and ideas. I do believe that children would love the story of this cute, curious little monkey that wanders into the city. He learns valuable lessons to share with those around him, humans and other monkeys.
As Bholu, the little monkey, gets to the city he sees that a little girl and her family enjoy eating using a knife and fork. He learns that this is the way of the people and it works for them so he learns to use these tools, too.
The story continues in chapter form each leading to the next nearly seamlessly. As is common the main character (the monkey) bumps into problems and works them out. I believe that young readers will love this story. But I think it would make a nice read-aloud situation, too, as there are many concepts that parents and teachers could help children to absorb. Such as "When in Rome..." Now normally I would agree. In this case, the monkey is back with his friends and finds the knife and fork don't do well on coconuts. But the conversation should move in both directions. Those berries won't be so messy with a fork. And I'm sure the humans don't use those tools to eat cookies.
Maybe a bit could be said for those of us with arthritis who find chops sticks hurt even if they want to do as the Romans (Chinese) do. Or even the forks and knives for some, have to have adaptations so as to get the job done.
Maybe a lesson in manners and why a knife and fork might be more healthy than eating with hands. Or how it might be up to Bholu to teach his friends how wonderful it is to have new skills.
There is so much in this story that leads to conversation. Yet this could be read over and over as one would love to have this monkey visit them for a picnic sometime.
Brilliant work Gita! Thanks for letting me read your books!
CUTE! I loved this little story. It shows us how to try new customs and ideas. I do believe that children would love the story of this cute, curious little monkey that wanders into the city. He learns valuable lessons to share with those around him, humans and other monkeys.
As Bholu, the little monkey, gets to the city he sees that a little girl and her family enjoy eating using a knife and fork. He learns that this is the way of the people and it works for them so he learns to use these tools, too.
The story continues in chapter form each leading to the next nearly seamlessly. As is common the main character (the monkey) bumps into problems and works them out. I believe that young readers will love this story. But I think it would make a nice read-aloud situation, too, as there are many concepts that parents and teachers could help children to absorb. Such as "When in Rome..." Now normally I would agree. In this case, the monkey is back with his friends and finds the knife and fork don't do well on coconuts. But the conversation should move in both directions. Those berries won't be so messy with a fork. And I'm sure the humans don't use those tools to eat cookies.
Maybe a bit could be said for those of us with arthritis who find chops sticks hurt even if they want to do as the Romans (Chinese) do. Or even the forks and knives for some, have to have adaptations so as to get the job done.
Maybe a lesson in manners and why a knife and fork might be more healthy than eating with hands. Or how it might be up to Bholu to teach his friends how wonderful it is to have new skills.
There is so much in this story that leads to conversation. Yet this could be read over and over as one would love to have this monkey visit them for a picnic sometime.
Brilliant work Gita! Thanks for letting me read your books!
May 12, 2016
Knife and Fork was a quick, easy read, perfect for Middle Grade readers. This story dealt with exploration, education, and lessons about being too boastful, learning how to handle yourself around others, and finding your place in the world. At times it seemed like the monkey thought too much like a human, but overall, a great read for children.
March 10, 2025
it was ok
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read another book by her because I didn’t really like her other ones this book was OK but the numbers of the pages were not right there was two sixes and then it went to seven
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read another book by her because I didn’t really like her other ones this book was OK but the numbers of the pages were not right there was two sixes and then it went to seven
July 17, 2017
Knife and Fork by Gita V. Reddy
This book starts out with the monkey and he travels to the city where Lily adopts him. She is able to train him to use a fork and knife like humans.
Like comparisons between the monkeys and humans habits. Story also goes beyond that to when he returns to the forest. The other animals want to go to the city also and they don't want to hear what that's a bad idea.
He was not always welcomed there himself. They take his utensils and he goes off to live by himself. Like the ending and didn't see it coming.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.
B01C2Z8RFA
This book starts out with the monkey and he travels to the city where Lily adopts him. She is able to train him to use a fork and knife like humans.
Like comparisons between the monkeys and humans habits. Story also goes beyond that to when he returns to the forest. The other animals want to go to the city also and they don't want to hear what that's a bad idea.
He was not always welcomed there himself. They take his utensils and he goes off to live by himself. Like the ending and didn't see it coming.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.
B01C2Z8RFA
June 30, 2016
Bholu, the monkey, sets off to the city for an adventure. This children's book is full of adventurous situations. It's also a tale of learning what a life is like for humans compared to the monkey's.
He sees a family eating outside and learns to use a "Knife and Fork," just like the little girl, Lily. He keeps them after taking them from the family. He realizes he doesn't fit in with the humans. He can use the "Knife and Fork" as well as any human, but Bholu thinks they don't realize he can, and continually run him off. Lily, however, is his friend and she loves to sit with him in her yard.
Bholu becomes homesick and returns to the forest. He brings his "Knife and Fork" and teaches the others to use them. Instead of teaching them though he takes on an air of superiority, as if he is smarter now than the others. He's now lost his friends.
He must learn a lesson about the difference between humans and animals. I love these lesson stories. Can Bholu make things right with his friends? A wonderful children's book.
Thank you Gita Reddy
He sees a family eating outside and learns to use a "Knife and Fork," just like the little girl, Lily. He keeps them after taking them from the family. He realizes he doesn't fit in with the humans. He can use the "Knife and Fork" as well as any human, but Bholu thinks they don't realize he can, and continually run him off. Lily, however, is his friend and she loves to sit with him in her yard.
Bholu becomes homesick and returns to the forest. He brings his "Knife and Fork" and teaches the others to use them. Instead of teaching them though he takes on an air of superiority, as if he is smarter now than the others. He's now lost his friends.
He must learn a lesson about the difference between humans and animals. I love these lesson stories. Can Bholu make things right with his friends? A wonderful children's book.
Thank you Gita Reddy
July 11, 2016
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We have read work from this author before and K really enjoyed the stories. So with this one we are following the story of Bholu who is a monkey that comes into the city. He learns how the city works and wants to show his friends what he has learned, but he seems to have forgotten how to be a friend. As we see how he treats his friends and how he brings the city learning to the jungle he learns a valuable lesson which is good. At the end of the story he sees what he has done wrong and becomes a better friend. There are no pictures within this book but you learn a good lesson with the story.
K thought the story was cool and found it funny that a monkey could use a fork and a knife to eat with.
We have read work from this author before and K really enjoyed the stories. So with this one we are following the story of Bholu who is a monkey that comes into the city. He learns how the city works and wants to show his friends what he has learned, but he seems to have forgotten how to be a friend. As we see how he treats his friends and how he brings the city learning to the jungle he learns a valuable lesson which is good. At the end of the story he sees what he has done wrong and becomes a better friend. There are no pictures within this book but you learn a good lesson with the story.
K thought the story was cool and found it funny that a monkey could use a fork and a knife to eat with.
April 13, 2016
Wow! What a great ebook or kids especially between the ages of 8-12+ and with a great moral in it and he one can correct any mistakes of turning their friends away. So, I would like to recommend this for five stars and especially kids ages 8-10 and who prefers reading animal stories,too.
I received this for free and in return, here is my honest review. Great job Gita! By Angela
I received this for free and in return, here is my honest review. Great job Gita! By Angela
April 17, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**
A cute book for young readers! This author has such a knack for capturing the attention of the reader as she tells the story of the characters. Smooth flow! Easy to follow!
*Received for an honest review*
A cute book for young readers! This author has such a knack for capturing the attention of the reader as she tells the story of the characters. Smooth flow! Easy to follow!
*Received for an honest review*
October 18, 2023
great bedtime story
I read this to my kids. (9&6) it was a really good story and had a great message. They enjoyed it.
I read this to my kids. (9&6) it was a really good story and had a great message. They enjoyed it.
July 3, 2016
Bholu, a monkey, comes to the city looking for adventure. In a short time he learns city ways and when he returns to the forest, he continues with them. Knife and Fork is Bholu’s story and how he learns three important lessons:
“Monkey ways are right for monkeys just as human ways are right for human beings.”
“Food and fun are meant to be shared with friends.”
“Losing friends is easy, winning them back is not.”
What did I like? This author blows me away with her books. She has this insight to what a child will like and plays to the child inside all of us adults. I have enjoyed every book that I have read of hers and I think that is pretty close to all of them. The main thing that I have loved on all of her books and not just this story but all of them is the lessons that she teaches to children of all ages. These are important ones in this book and she does it in a way that the child is involved in the learning process. The story line always captures the child and makes them want to hear more and in doing that learns the values that are imparted to them.
What are you going to like? Besides the values that I listed above, you are going to love this story. This main character is very well developed and makes him not only likeable but loveable to a fault which he ends up learning. The storyline is captivating and well researched plus even though it is short makes you feel that it is much longer. I know that my granddaughter loved it and I read it to her over the phone. I sent her the photos so she could be involved. She was so excited that she made me read it to her twice. It’s fun to hear the laughter of child and we talked about the book when I finished reading it the second time. She told me that she though that Bholu had really learned his lesson on being a friend. At her age (7) I was really impressed that she had got that meaning from the story. It is really important to me as a mother, grandmother for my children to have available to them good books that they can read and learn from but to also be able to enjoy causing lots of laughter. I know that anyone buying this book would feel the same way.
“Monkey ways are right for monkeys just as human ways are right for human beings.”
“Food and fun are meant to be shared with friends.”
“Losing friends is easy, winning them back is not.”
What did I like? This author blows me away with her books. She has this insight to what a child will like and plays to the child inside all of us adults. I have enjoyed every book that I have read of hers and I think that is pretty close to all of them. The main thing that I have loved on all of her books and not just this story but all of them is the lessons that she teaches to children of all ages. These are important ones in this book and she does it in a way that the child is involved in the learning process. The story line always captures the child and makes them want to hear more and in doing that learns the values that are imparted to them.
What are you going to like? Besides the values that I listed above, you are going to love this story. This main character is very well developed and makes him not only likeable but loveable to a fault which he ends up learning. The storyline is captivating and well researched plus even though it is short makes you feel that it is much longer. I know that my granddaughter loved it and I read it to her over the phone. I sent her the photos so she could be involved. She was so excited that she made me read it to her twice. It’s fun to hear the laughter of child and we talked about the book when I finished reading it the second time. She told me that she though that Bholu had really learned his lesson on being a friend. At her age (7) I was really impressed that she had got that meaning from the story. It is really important to me as a mother, grandmother for my children to have available to them good books that they can read and learn from but to also be able to enjoy causing lots of laughter. I know that anyone buying this book would feel the same way.
June 30, 2016
Knife and Fork is a chapter book geared towards children, grade level 8 thru 10. In this Gita Reddy story, readers meet Bholu the monkey who lives deep in the forest. The forest was all Bholu knew until one day a little bird told him about the world outside his forest. No longer content to simply swing from branches and play games with his friends, Bholu leaves the forest in search of worldly adventures.
This book is separated into six brief chapters. Readers are taken through a fun and engaging retelling of Bholu’s travels from his forest into a city several days from his home. Bholu experiences a variety of encounters during his adventure and he exhibits both positive and negative reactions to them. Bholu finds himself having to deal with many new feelings and he doesn’t always handle things in the best way. This makes Bholu’s character easily relatable and sympathetic to youngsters.
As with Ms. Reddy’s other books, there are plenty of lessons to learn here. Friendship and pride are at the heart of Knife and Fork. This would make a wonderful book to read to children when explaining what it takes to make and keep friends.
I love books that teach children valuable lessons while entertaining them at the same time and as usual Ms. Reddy does a wonderful job of doing just that. The vocabulary in this book is suitable for its intended age group, but Ms. Reddy makes a point of providing the definitions of the very few words that may not be familiar to older youngsters. I could also see this book being read to younger children at bedtime or anytime!
5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, http://diymomblog.blogspot.com
This book is separated into six brief chapters. Readers are taken through a fun and engaging retelling of Bholu’s travels from his forest into a city several days from his home. Bholu experiences a variety of encounters during his adventure and he exhibits both positive and negative reactions to them. Bholu finds himself having to deal with many new feelings and he doesn’t always handle things in the best way. This makes Bholu’s character easily relatable and sympathetic to youngsters.
As with Ms. Reddy’s other books, there are plenty of lessons to learn here. Friendship and pride are at the heart of Knife and Fork. This would make a wonderful book to read to children when explaining what it takes to make and keep friends.
I love books that teach children valuable lessons while entertaining them at the same time and as usual Ms. Reddy does a wonderful job of doing just that. The vocabulary in this book is suitable for its intended age group, but Ms. Reddy makes a point of providing the definitions of the very few words that may not be familiar to older youngsters. I could also see this book being read to younger children at bedtime or anytime!
5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, http://diymomblog.blogspot.com
May 22, 2016
I've read several of Gita V Reddy's books, and I'm a big fan of her work. This book, like her others, is an utterly charming tale.
Knife and Fork follows the adventures of Bholu, a monkey who visits the city for a time. While there, he learns to eat food using a knife and fork. When Bholu returns to the jungle, he expects to be hailed as a superior monkey, but instead he is cast out of his tribe due to his uppity ways. Eventually, the leader of the monkeys takes pity on Bholu, and welcomes him back into the community, but not before he teaches him a lesson about gratitude.
I think this is a brilliant book for kids. Not only is it entertaining, clever, and well-written, but it also teaches several important lessons -- humility, kindness, and contentment, as well as gratitude (like I mentioned before). Don't worry, though -- it's not preachy by any means.
There was one thing about Knife and Fork which I think could have been done better, and that was the ending. It was definitely satisfying, but it sort of ended in the middle of a conversation, so the closure didn't feel complete. It's a small quibble, but it bears mentioning.
Overall, Knife and Fork is perfect for animal-loving children between the ages of 5 and 9.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Knife and Fork follows the adventures of Bholu, a monkey who visits the city for a time. While there, he learns to eat food using a knife and fork. When Bholu returns to the jungle, he expects to be hailed as a superior monkey, but instead he is cast out of his tribe due to his uppity ways. Eventually, the leader of the monkeys takes pity on Bholu, and welcomes him back into the community, but not before he teaches him a lesson about gratitude.
I think this is a brilliant book for kids. Not only is it entertaining, clever, and well-written, but it also teaches several important lessons -- humility, kindness, and contentment, as well as gratitude (like I mentioned before). Don't worry, though -- it's not preachy by any means.
There was one thing about Knife and Fork which I think could have been done better, and that was the ending. It was definitely satisfying, but it sort of ended in the middle of a conversation, so the closure didn't feel complete. It's a small quibble, but it bears mentioning.
Overall, Knife and Fork is perfect for animal-loving children between the ages of 5 and 9.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2016
Knife and Fork by Gita V. Reddy is an educational book with important lessons. I gave it four stars.
Bholu was a monkey who left the forest for an adventure. He went to the city and learned how different it was with cars & buildings. There was no fruit on the trees for him to eat.
He watched a family eating with strange objects. He learned they were called a knife and fork. He went down to help himself to some mango. When the little girl returned she screamed & he leapt up to the wall and continued to use the knife and fork to finish the mango. Then she laughed and her mother peeled and threw him a banana. He cut it into slices with the knife and ate it with the fork. He ate all the food they gave him with the utensils. Then he stored them in a hollow of the tree.
He realised that in the city, all the buildings seemed alike and he didn't like the noise and smoke from the vehicles. He went back to the forest and shared all his adventures with the other monkeys.
I received a complimentary kindle copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Bholu was a monkey who left the forest for an adventure. He went to the city and learned how different it was with cars & buildings. There was no fruit on the trees for him to eat.
He watched a family eating with strange objects. He learned they were called a knife and fork. He went down to help himself to some mango. When the little girl returned she screamed & he leapt up to the wall and continued to use the knife and fork to finish the mango. Then she laughed and her mother peeled and threw him a banana. He cut it into slices with the knife and ate it with the fork. He ate all the food they gave him with the utensils. Then he stored them in a hollow of the tree.
He realised that in the city, all the buildings seemed alike and he didn't like the noise and smoke from the vehicles. He went back to the forest and shared all his adventures with the other monkeys.
I received a complimentary kindle copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
July 13, 2016
Bholu is a curious monkey who decides he wants a different life so he leaves the jungle behind for a peek at city life. When Bholu comes near the city, he observes a family in their backyard from his perch in a nearby tree. Soon he becomes acquainted with Lily and her family who decide to adopt the intelligent and well-trained monkey. Bholu learns to eat his food with a knife and fork; he leaps on the bus to visit the sites and sounds of the city often. But when the monsoon season returns, Bholu discovers that he is tired of the city life and he misses his friends.
Once at home in the jungle, Bholu boasts that only he could adopt the ways of humans and find acceptance because he is smarter than they. The monkeys tire of his behavior. Soon they ignore Bholu; he is forced to seek out other animals to befriend. Bholu learns one must be true to his species and that winning back friends you turn away is not an easy task.
This book is a short read with valuable life lessons for readers in the early middle grade group, particularly those in the eight to ten age range.
Once at home in the jungle, Bholu boasts that only he could adopt the ways of humans and find acceptance because he is smarter than they. The monkeys tire of his behavior. Soon they ignore Bholu; he is forced to seek out other animals to befriend. Bholu learns one must be true to his species and that winning back friends you turn away is not an easy task.
This book is a short read with valuable life lessons for readers in the early middle grade group, particularly those in the eight to ten age range.
June 29, 2016
This is a fun, quick and easy read. It is well suited for middle-grade readers. I was disappointed that there were no pictures,however, as I believe that would make it more enjoyable for younger readers who might be having it read to them by an adult or older child.
Bholu has quite an adventure in the big city and learns a lot about humans, but when he goes back to the forest, he learns even more important lessons. There are many opportunities for discussion between children and adults about such topics as being too boastful, situations where a knife and fork would and would not be appropriate, being polite to others, etc.
Bholu has quite an adventure in the big city and learns a lot about humans, but when he goes back to the forest, he learns even more important lessons. There are many opportunities for discussion between children and adults about such topics as being too boastful, situations where a knife and fork would and would not be appropriate, being polite to others, etc.
April 17, 2016
This cute book is about a little monkey who learns how to eat with a fork and knife. It's a super cute story that teaches readers that learning can be important but it should be integrated into your life. It shouldn't take over your life. This story is a great story that early readers will love!
June 30, 2016
This book is an enjoyable read. It is well–written, entertaining, and has some great lessons to teach. Also, it has a fun cast of characters that children will love.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews