Maybe…
Suspense builds as three little monkeys disobey their caregiver’s instructions and venture closer to the juicy mangoes growing in a dangerous part of the jungle. Careful pacing and repetition coax the reader along on the adventure, as hungry tigers lurk nearby. Bright and colorful illustrations bring the wide-eyed monkeys to life, and young readers will be wide-eyed as well as they discover the dangers that the little monkeys do not see. Is there a happy ending, or do the monkeys meet danger along the way? Maybe…you need to read to find out for yourself!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
The monkeys in the story have to be careful when going to pick the mangoes. The “Freeze Game” can be a fun activity for families and for classrooms. An adult can be the tiger, and walk slowly around the room while children are the monkeys, tiptoeing behind. When the tiger turns around suddenly, the monkeys must freeze. When the tiger turns back around and resumes walking, the monkeys can as well.
Preview the book with adults prior to reading with children. Adults can generate a list of open-ended questions that they can pose while reading. For example, adults can ask, “What would you do if you were the monkeys?” and “Where do you think the tigers are right now?” When interacting with children, adults can expand on children’s responses by validating their ideas and introducing new vocabulary. As adults read with expression, caution the monkeys, and respond to questions posed by children, they will make the children feel as though they are part of the story.