Monkey and Elephant

K-Gr 2—Two friends are unable to rest in the heat of the sun. Small, purple Monkey suggests to large, blue Elephant, "How about we look for some shade trees?" When Monkey fails to keep up, she asks Elephant for a ride. "Bump, galump," they continue on until they stop at a puddle for a drink and Elephant sprays his companion with water from his trunk: "Snoof. Splash. Snoof. Splash." In the next chapter, Monkey complains that Elephant is "walking too bumpity," and Elephant responds that Monkey is "Too bossy." Instead of continuing to criticize each other, they agree to sing because that is something they both like. Finally, Elephant successfully challenges "three riffraff wildcats" who "know Monkey is a really good snack." Resting in the shade at last, they conclude, "I like you just right." Schaefer's rich and witty dialogue will charm and amuse early chapter-book readers. The digitally created cartoonlike characters are brimming with emotion and often surrounded by distinctive patterns of sunshine, leaves, and grasses. Children comfortable with Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad Are Friends (HarperCollins, 1970) and Wong Herbert Yee's Upstairs Mouse and Downstairs Mole (Houghton, 2005) will enjoy reading about Monkey and Elephant.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI