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Little Chimp's Big Day

by Lisa Schroeder
32p. 978-1-40274-967-4.
COPY ISBN
PreS—When a branch breaks off his tree, Little Chimp falls to the jungle floor. Even though he can't see his mother anywhere, his curiosity gets the better of his fear. So he heads off, following various animals, meanwhile wondering, "Where could mother be?" Observant children will see her everywhere, watching on the riverbank as he rides on a hippo's back and peering through the palm fronds as he swings on the vines. This is a well-worn story line, but it has perennial appeal. Children who are just beginning the journey toward independence love to start testing limits in a safe, fictional environment, and this title will fill the bill. The rhyming text reads aloud well. The colorful paintings lack distinction but are sweet and accessible. Martin Waddell's Owl Babies (Candlewick, 1992) is a variation on this theme and is more artistically effective. But if you're looking for a new book to share with groups of two-year-olds, this one will go over well.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
On the lookout for his mother, Little Chimp tumbles from a tree. At first worried, he soon makes a day of playing, eating, and swinging in the jungle. All the while, watercolor and acrylic paintings show his cleverly concealed chimp mama looking out for him. The rhymes are a little trite, but the text effectively conveys the theme of growing up.
Reviewed by Lauralyn Persson , Jan 01, 2011

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