No Need for Monty

Stevenson, James

ISBN 10: 0688070841 ISBN 13: 9780688070847

Publisher: Greenwillow, 1987

Synopsis

Convinced that crossing the river on the back of Monty the alligator is too slow, the animals try to find a faster way to get their children to school

About this title

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3 Stevenson continues the adventures of Monty, a friendly and perceptive alligator who was first introduced in the cautionary tale Monty (Greenwillow, 1979). In this book, as in the earlier title, Monty provides a transportation service by carrying children (frog, duck, and rabbit) across the river on his back. The adult members of the animal community, in their wisdom, decide that there must be a more efficient means of transportation . To readers' delight, they fail and eventually come to the conclusion that there is a need for Monty. Stevenson presents a simple moral in an effective and humorous fashion. The underlying theme that grown-ups are not always right is subtly presented in a simple style. The text has a definite beginning, middle, and end that is hand printed in cartoon captions; illustrations are in watercolor and black line that sustain the drollness found in the text (note Monty's subdued smile). This is a remarkably effective picture book with definite child appeal that will be treasured, remembered, and enjoyed by young children. Bessie Egan, Winnipeg Public Library, Manitoba, Canada
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

That immensely likable alligator from Monty is back, still reliably ferrying the children to school. One day, however, the grown-ups decide that "the Monty system" is too slow; surely they can come up with a faster one. As the weeks go by, each method they propose, from skyride to stilts, fails with more hilarity than the one before. Finally, a grinning Monty appears, and the children climb aboard what they knew all along was the best way to go to school"the Monty way." As always, Stevenson's messagehere, about the perils of innovation for its own sakeis delivered with an ample dose of humor. The pacing is sure and swift, and the dramatic failures of the grown-ups' deliciously pompous inventions are hilarious. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0688070841
• ISBN 13: 9780688070847
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32