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Monty's Special Day
"Sweetly encouraging of curiosity." - Kirkus Reviews "The book’s active, bright illustrations celebrate both exploration and being happy where you are." - Foreword Reviews Monty is a typical donkey living a typical donkey life. Until the one day, he walks through the open gate and goes on an adventure . . . A cheerful book about pushing your limits and just trying something new. For curious readers ages 5 years and up. "Monty is a curious donkey who takes care of his friends at the farm. One day, he wonders what it is like outside the farm and wanders off to explore. This is a cute little book about curiosity, adventure, and coming back home. " - Lubbock Public Library "Starring Monty the donkey, this beautifully illustrated children’s book is a fun adventure. For me, the strengths of the book are the illustrations, fun premise, and storyline." - A Home Library
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2020
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 22, 2021
This is a sweet little story about an ordinary donkey, Monty. He always does the same things every day, chomping on lots of grass, making the rounds of the farm yard and saying hi to his friends, the chickens, a horse, a sheep and a llama. All of the animals love Monty.
However Monty often looks up to the sky and sees geese flying and he wonders where they are going. One day Monty is more curious then ever and walks through the farm yard gate and tries to follow the geese. He can't keep up with them but he does meet some interesting new friends including a beaver, birds and fish swimming in a pond and a Moose eating some delicious berries. By the end of the day he is tired and lying down to rest. Then he sees the geese flying overhead again. "Wait, isn't that my meadow in the distance?" Monty jumps up and runs down the hill where all of his friends greet him.
The animals all want to hear about his adventure. "It's great to go places," he tells his friends. "But it's even better to come back home".
The illustrations are vibrant and cute with lots of little details to look at. The message is a simple one, it's fun to visit different places and meet other people but it's always good to come home to be with your friends and family.
I would recommend this book to children ages 3 and up but even a younger child would enjoy the pictures and simple verses. I loved the author's dedication "For my parents who always encouraged me to think outside the box and push my limits".
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
However Monty often looks up to the sky and sees geese flying and he wonders where they are going. One day Monty is more curious then ever and walks through the farm yard gate and tries to follow the geese. He can't keep up with them but he does meet some interesting new friends including a beaver, birds and fish swimming in a pond and a Moose eating some delicious berries. By the end of the day he is tired and lying down to rest. Then he sees the geese flying overhead again. "Wait, isn't that my meadow in the distance?" Monty jumps up and runs down the hill where all of his friends greet him.
The animals all want to hear about his adventure. "It's great to go places," he tells his friends. "But it's even better to come back home".
The illustrations are vibrant and cute with lots of little details to look at. The message is a simple one, it's fun to visit different places and meet other people but it's always good to come home to be with your friends and family.
I would recommend this book to children ages 3 and up but even a younger child would enjoy the pictures and simple verses. I loved the author's dedication "For my parents who always encouraged me to think outside the box and push my limits".
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 7, 2020
Monty's Special Day is a delightful picture book about a donkey named Monty.
He's just your average Joe living his life to the fullest. He does his own thing and enjoys himself. One day, he walks out of the farm and into the wild! We follow him on his little adventure. Eventually he comes back to tell all of his friends of his exciting day!
The pictures are great in this story. They have lots of personality and make me really love Monty. He seems like such a fun little guy!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
He's just your average Joe living his life to the fullest. He does his own thing and enjoys himself. One day, he walks out of the farm and into the wild! We follow him on his little adventure. Eventually he comes back to tell all of his friends of his exciting day!
The pictures are great in this story. They have lots of personality and make me really love Monty. He seems like such a fun little guy!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
October 3, 2020
Monty the Donkey is a very nice and lovely donkey, with lots of friends on the farm where he lives.
But one day Monty decides to follow the birds, and that will be a great adventure! There's lots to see, there are different animals there and dangerous situations occur. And so this great adventure is nice, but coming home might be even nicer.
Ellen DeLange created a beautiful picturebook about friendship, adventure, leaving home and most of all coming back home! The colorfull illustrations made by Malgorzata Zojac complete this book.
A very lovely story with a toutch of humor, that fits in with the age that it's written for. So let's go on an adventure with your lovely 4 and 5 year olds!
But one day Monty decides to follow the birds, and that will be a great adventure! There's lots to see, there are different animals there and dangerous situations occur. And so this great adventure is nice, but coming home might be even nicer.
Ellen DeLange created a beautiful picturebook about friendship, adventure, leaving home and most of all coming back home! The colorfull illustrations made by Malgorzata Zojac complete this book.
A very lovely story with a toutch of humor, that fits in with the age that it's written for. So let's go on an adventure with your lovely 4 and 5 year olds!
October 3, 2020
What a wonderful, adventurous story with fun characters and inviting illustrations! And, while I love the meter and sentiment of the text, I wish it were more brief.
September 22, 2020
"Monty's Special Day" by Ellen Delange is a children's story about typical donkey who ends up going on quite an adventure one special day. The book follows Monty through his journey and introduces new plants, foods and animals to the story.
Our family enjoyed the story. This one would be fun for all ages, but does have some vocabulary words like "Shenanigas" that may need to be explained to younger readers. Also, in some parts the text appears over the grass in the illustrations and it is quite difficult to read. However, since this was an electronic copy perhaps these things will be remedied before publication or with a hardcover book etc.
Overall, our family found Monty to be an adorable and inquisitive character. We enjoyed seeing all of his adventures and learning about different foods and animals throughout the tale. It was engaging, fun and oh so sweet!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our family enjoyed the story. This one would be fun for all ages, but does have some vocabulary words like "Shenanigas" that may need to be explained to younger readers. Also, in some parts the text appears over the grass in the illustrations and it is quite difficult to read. However, since this was an electronic copy perhaps these things will be remedied before publication or with a hardcover book etc.
Overall, our family found Monty to be an adorable and inquisitive character. We enjoyed seeing all of his adventures and learning about different foods and animals throughout the tale. It was engaging, fun and oh so sweet!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2020
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for granting me early access to Monty's Special Day in exchange for an honest review.
Monty's Special Day is the story of Monty, an ordinary donkey, who always wonders where the birds are flying off to. One day when the birds fly past he notices that the gate is open, and off he goes into the woods. At first I was worried this was going to be the same as another children's story I recently reviewed with a young bear following the birds on their migration, but then I turned the page and discovered these birds aren't migrating anywhere, just going to where they know the best food is. It's a fairly typical animal adventure type story, but it is unique, and Monty is adorable.
Some of the text placed over the illustrations is difficult to read with the font choice and size when it overlaps with grass texture.
The illustrations are adorable! I love the map of Monty's adventure at the beginning and end.
Monty's Special Day is the story of Monty, an ordinary donkey, who always wonders where the birds are flying off to. One day when the birds fly past he notices that the gate is open, and off he goes into the woods. At first I was worried this was going to be the same as another children's story I recently reviewed with a young bear following the birds on their migration, but then I turned the page and discovered these birds aren't migrating anywhere, just going to where they know the best food is. It's a fairly typical animal adventure type story, but it is unique, and Monty is adorable.
Some of the text placed over the illustrations is difficult to read with the font choice and size when it overlaps with grass texture.
The illustrations are adorable! I love the map of Monty's adventure at the beginning and end.
September 25, 2020
Monty is an adorable little donkey who is happy with his farm life and the variety of animals he is lucky enough to have as his friends. One day he discovers that someone has left the gate wide open and his curiosity gets the best of him and out he goes on an adventure. He encounters different creatures on his undertaking: wild geese flying overhead, a moose eating some juicy berries, some rowdy squirrels gathering seeds and nuts, and some busy beavers cutting down trees with their sharp teeth.
Monty is out of breath and exhausted now and lays down for a little rest. The geese return and point him in the direction of home. Thank goodness! Monty realizes that although it's fun to escape from your every day surroundings and life it's even more fun to return to the comfort and safety of your own sweet home. He learns that home is where his heart is.
The illustrations enrich the message of the text and are colourful and detailed. This is how the story of Monty's Special Day originated in the author's own words:
"I often pass a farmhouse that’s located near a small river. In the meadow lives a friendly donkey. He always walks the same loop, but sometimes I see him standing still, looking up. Once, I wondered what he was looking at. Could it be the geese flying overhead?
I imagined that one day his curiosity would prompt him to follow the birds, to find out where they are going.
His typical donkey day then turns out to be a special day, and he can’t wait to share his adventure with his friends.
That’s how the story of Monty’s Special Day came to be. "
I highly recommend this book.
Monty is out of breath and exhausted now and lays down for a little rest. The geese return and point him in the direction of home. Thank goodness! Monty realizes that although it's fun to escape from your every day surroundings and life it's even more fun to return to the comfort and safety of your own sweet home. He learns that home is where his heart is.
The illustrations enrich the message of the text and are colourful and detailed. This is how the story of Monty's Special Day originated in the author's own words:
"I often pass a farmhouse that’s located near a small river. In the meadow lives a friendly donkey. He always walks the same loop, but sometimes I see him standing still, looking up. Once, I wondered what he was looking at. Could it be the geese flying overhead?
I imagined that one day his curiosity would prompt him to follow the birds, to find out where they are going.
His typical donkey day then turns out to be a special day, and he can’t wait to share his adventure with his friends.
That’s how the story of Monty’s Special Day came to be. "
I highly recommend this book.
October 5, 2020
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 17th November 2020 - publication day!
I thought that this book was lovely!
I read it with my daughter in bed tonight and she really enjoyed it.
She was telling me about Monty and pointing out the different farm animals too.
It was an easy story to read and it was fun to follow Monty on his special Donkey day too.
Well written and easy for my three year old to understand so a hit in our house.
Very highly recommended – it is 5 stars from me for this one – a lovely read!
I thought that this book was lovely!
I read it with my daughter in bed tonight and she really enjoyed it.
She was telling me about Monty and pointing out the different farm animals too.
It was an easy story to read and it was fun to follow Monty on his special Donkey day too.
Well written and easy for my three year old to understand so a hit in our house.
Very highly recommended – it is 5 stars from me for this one – a lovely read!
October 6, 2020
I didn't personally connect with "Monty's Special Day." The story lost me, and I almost didn't finish it. However, I enjoyed the illustrations and use of color.
September 21, 2020
Monty always looked up at the geese as they flew by and wondered where they went. One day the farm gate was left open and Monty decided to finally follow the geese and see where they went.
Monty goes on a journey and meets all kinds of different animals and tries a whole lot of new things. It's a great book to show how taking chances leads to finding out new and amazing things about yourself and the world.
While a good story with a good message I thought it was a little boring and I would have enjoyed some more excitement. I also had difficulty reading the text on the pages with a green background and having to strain to read the words was a bit of a turn off.
*This review is based on a copy I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Monty goes on a journey and meets all kinds of different animals and tries a whole lot of new things. It's a great book to show how taking chances leads to finding out new and amazing things about yourself and the world.
While a good story with a good message I thought it was a little boring and I would have enjoyed some more excitement. I also had difficulty reading the text on the pages with a green background and having to strain to read the words was a bit of a turn off.
*This review is based on a copy I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 21, 2020
This was a cute book! I especially loved that it circled back to returning home at the end of the adventure, which I wasn't sure would happen. The illustrations and narrative were well written and easy to follow. A great read for my 6 year old!
*I received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
*I received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
September 15, 2020
"Monty's Special Day" follows Monty, the donkey, as he goes on a special adventure. Day after day he watches the geese in the sky from his meadow and wonders where they go. One particular day, the gate is left open and Monty takes it as a sign to follow the geese. He travels outside his meadow and learns new things and eats delicious treats. At the end of the day though he misses home and wants to back. This is a cute story about trying new things. The illustrations were bright and engaging and the story has a good cadence when read aloud.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Monty's Special Day" by Ellen Delange in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Monty's Special Day" by Ellen Delange in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2020
This is a lovely children's book about Monty the donkey who goes on adventure while following some geese. He thinks he is travelling very far, but after ending up back at his home, he realises that he had just gone around his local area and back. Although he enjoyed his big adventure, he missed his friends and his home and he was so happy to see them at the end. It helped him to appreciate what he had and he realised that he does not really need anything else in order to be happier or more fulfilled. My daughter and I enjoyed the story and the colourful illustrations.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2020
I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book that I received is Monty's Special Day, instead of Ed's Special Day.
Monty is a curious donkey who takes care of his friends at the farm. One day, he wonders what it's like outside the farm and wanders off to explore. This is a cute little book about curiosity, adventure, and coming back home.
The book that I received is Monty's Special Day, instead of Ed's Special Day.
Monty is a curious donkey who takes care of his friends at the farm. One day, he wonders what it's like outside the farm and wanders off to explore. This is a cute little book about curiosity, adventure, and coming back home.
September 14, 2020
This book was completely adorable! Monty the donkey teaches us an important lesson. That it’s ok to try something new and to get out and explore things that are different.
All the animal characters are so cute! The illustrator did a fantastic job!
I highly recommend this book to anyone with small children.
Thank you to NetGalley the author and publisher for this ebook in exchange for my honest review!
All the animal characters are so cute! The illustrator did a fantastic job!
I highly recommend this book to anyone with small children.
Thank you to NetGalley the author and publisher for this ebook in exchange for my honest review!
September 12, 2020
Monty's Special Day is a beautifully illustrated book about Monty the donkey who deviates from his normal routine and goes on an adventure learning that while new experiences are fun going home is even better.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 8, 2020
Passable, but nicely designed, picture book with a story of a donkey who gets to see the life outside his farm when the paddock gate is left open. Finally he can fulfil his dream of following the geese flying overhead and see where they go… Low on drama, it kind of succeeds in its remit of showing a daring bit of exploration, but once the young reader is old enough to ask "why didn't anybody else go through the gate and leave the farm with him?" they'll be too old for this book. Up til that point it's passable, but not exactly memorable.
September 9, 2020
Typical animal going on an adventure book. It was good but typical. Still had some fun reading it. The text in some page was over some dark illustrations, like dark grass in the first if I remember correclty, so a bit hard to read, it happen maybe two or three times in the book, no big deals, but something editor should be careful about!
September 8, 2020
A very fun adventure of a little donkey Monty as he discovers it's fun to try new things and meet new people, but it's also very good to come back home to what you know.
Thanks to NetGalley and Clavis for the free digital copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Clavis for the free digital copy.
November 2, 2020
A sweet story about a curious donkey named Monty, who breaks out of his usual routine of grass chomping and checking in on the other animals in the farm yard one day after he finds the gate open. He sees some wild geese flying overhead, and decides to follow them, leading to many adventures- eating apples, enjoying berries with a moose, being startled by beavers when they take down a tree near him, and more. Finally, he finds his way home, sharing his story and some treats he found along the way (apples, berries, and nuts) with his friends, before concluding that adventures are fun, but coming home is best. The story has a subtle lesson about trying new things, and the art is marvelous, so much detail to get caught up in, and it blends with the story perfectly. The endpapers show Monty's journey, helping to express how even small journeys can be exciting.
#MontysSpecialDay #NetGalley
#MontysSpecialDay #NetGalley
October 18, 2020
This was absolutely delightful! A warm, happy read about a Donkey that goes on an adventure and tries new things before going home to his friends and telling them all about it.
The language is simple enough for early readers (4/5 yo) to read with a parent (and slightly older children to read by themselves) and the illustrations are lovely and detailed which is sure to catch the eye and hold the attention of children of all ages.
The language is simple enough for early readers (4/5 yo) to read with a parent (and slightly older children to read by themselves) and the illustrations are lovely and detailed which is sure to catch the eye and hold the attention of children of all ages.
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December 9, 2020Did anyone edit this book? The tense is not consistent, and the text was hard to read over the grass.
January 19, 2021
Monty the Donkey has the chance to leave the farm and discover the outside world. He explores nature and learns new things. I liked the story and the illustrations were cute.
December 3, 2020
I loved the lively and colourful illustrations in this book and I think they could promote a lot of discussion with young children. I also liked the premise of the story, Monty the donkey going on a little adventure for the day because the gate was left open, but I did feel it could have been a bit more exciting for him. I also think a short information paragraph about each of the birds and animals in the story would have been a nice addition. Thank you to Ellen Delange, Net Galley and Clavis Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
Een leuk boek over een ezel die besluit avontuurlijk te zijn en achter een toom ganzen gaat om te zien wat deze nou allemaal doen op een dag! Ik vond het leuk geschreven, ik mocht Monty meteen, zo lief hoe hij met de dieren van de boerderij omging en gezellig met ze praatte en zo. En ik genoot van Monty's avonturen! Hij maakt nogal wat mee op een dag en vindt ook heel veel lekkers op zijn reisje. Leuk ook om andere dieren te zien!
De illustraties waren mooi!
We kunnen allemaal wel van Monty leren, soms moet je gewoon kansen pakken en voor het avontuur kiezen! Wie weet wat je tegenkomt~
De illustraties waren mooi!
We kunnen allemaal wel van Monty leren, soms moet je gewoon kansen pakken en voor het avontuur kiezen! Wie weet wat je tegenkomt~
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews