With a crew of capricious monkeys, a jaunty rhyming text, and energetic artwork, this book adds up to a good time. Hanging by his tail from a branch, a monkey clothed in bright overalls invites nine friends to play. Seven of the animals "twist and spin" from tree to tree, two of them "twirl and flip," and one "hangs by her knees in the breeze," adding up to 10 monkeys having "a tail-tangling, tree-dangling, jungle jamboree." Next, two of the monkeys "click sticks," four swing giant palm leaves "that whistle and sing," and four more "keep the beat" by slapping a log "with hands and feet," creating "a music-making, leaf-shaking, jungle jamboree." These antics continue, culminating in an encounter with a hungry yellow tiger which the clever primates manage to scare off. The rhythmic text and repeated refrain will have young listeners humming along. Done in inks and pencils, the stylized illustrations are appropriately lush, featuring shimmering shades of blue, violet, and green. Using changing perspectives, shifts between daytime and nighttime scenes, and unexpected splashes of bright color, the double-page spreads are fresh and appealing, and keep pace with the frenetic text. Children will enjoy looking closely at the pictures to locate each of the individuals performing the activities described in the verses. Youngsters who are more confident of their counting abilities will be interested in seeing how different number combinations can add up to 10. A fun, count-along romp.
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