Little Monkey Says Goodnight

by Ann Whitford Paul, David Walker (Illustrator)

Cheeky Little Monkey isn't ready for bed yet - he wants to say "Good night" to everyone first! "Come, Little Monkey," Daddy Monkey says. "It's time for bed." But Little Monkey shakes his head, "First I need to say good night." And off he goes to the Big Top tent, tumbling his way through the circus, as he says good night to the Ringmaster, the clowns, and even the growly Lion! Little Monkey bounces his way into more and more mischief before saying his last and very special good night.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 20, 2003

About the author

ANN WHITFORD PAUL, author of 'TWAS THE LATE NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS has always been crazy for Christmas, but overwhelmed by it, too. Afterwards she is worn-out and dreams that someone like Mrs. Saint Nick could help her out with the resulting chaos and mess.

Ann graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University School of Social Work. She became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She's published 19 different award-winning books. Now she gets story ideas from her three grandchildren. For ten years she taught picture book writing through UCLA Extension. She still enjoys teaching how to write picture books. When she isn't writing or teaching, she loves listening to her cat purr, watching spiders spin their webs and following snails' trails.

You can learn more about her, download writing tips and classroom activities, and contact her through her web-site: www.annwhitfordpaul.net

Reviews

[Caroline Herfindahl]

Little Monkey "swings" its way through the circus saying good night to all of the other animals and people at the circus where they live. Would be cute to read this with a restless child making one's way through their own house/room saying good night and ending up in bed just like Little Monkey.

[Abby Peskin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simple book about a little monkey who wants to say good night to everyone in the circus before going to bed. The writing isn't very engaging, although I can imagine it being entertaining for a child who likes the circus.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit long for very young children but cute art

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars/Bedtime Story Time.
It's time for bed, but little monkey must say goodnight to everyone at the circus before he goes to sleep. Sweet pictures, but the story could have been better.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Monkey wants to say goodnight and make a fuss all through the circus to do so.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zander wanted this book read again. I didn't like how the little monkey was disobedient to his father. But some points should go to what an enjoyable book it is for children.

[Shel]

Paula, A.W. (2003). Little Monkey Says Goodnight. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

0374346097

Despite the sky being dark and the moon being high, Little Monkey manages to avoid going to bed a little longer by saying goodnight to...everybody at the the circus where he lives. He does tricks to go from person to person and animal to animal, saying goodnight to them all and impressing the circus's audience.

While this would be a good bedtime story, a parent would have to be careful when sharing it. The illustrations remain light and active up until the last page. This story may serve to rile-up some children instead of calm them down.

The illustrations incorporate a great amount of physical humor among the characters and do a good job of creating a circus atmosphere and showing the members of a circus troupe.

Activities to do with the book:



Yet another good bedtime story. Of course, with some children who look for any possible reason to stay awake a few more minutes, Little Monkey's example may not be the best.

This is also a good story to share with young children going to the circus for the first time. A parent, sibling or teacher can point out ringmasters, clowns, strongmen, elephants, jugglers etc.



Favorite Quotes:

"Come little Monkey," Papa Monkey says. "The sky is dark. The moon is high. It's time for bed."



"But little Monkey Leaps

SWOOSH!

right into Mama's arms.

"Good night, Mama."

For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this story for my Toddler Storytime on Circuses. My son loved this book, which is all about a little monkey who won't go to bed until he's said goodnight to the whole circus. This includes the ringmaster, the strong man, the elephant , a horse, the clowns and a lion. Then he says goodnight to his momma and agrees to go to bed after saying goodnight to himself. Recommended for ages 2-5, 3 stars.

[Sarah Kramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too long for the intended audience.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun illustrations, but story isn't that fun!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a bit confusing and nonintuitive to read. Also not very relaxing at bedtime. But the story and illustrations were well done otherwise.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and rather unique way to delay going to bed.

[❤Marie Gentilcore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute bedtime story with very nice illustrations. My children and I enjoyed it.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, active bedtime book featuring a cute circus monkey. He seems to go from causing one "problem" to another in order to say goodnight to all the circus performers and the audience. The kids enjoyed it.

I think circuses with animals like elephants and monkeys will be less and less common (though perhaps common pets like dogs will still perform). That will probably make this somewhat older book (2003) seem dated.