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Cha-Cha Chimps by Julia Durango
Counting and dancing gohand in hand at Mambo Jamba's,the place where hippos hokey-pokey and meerkats macarenaand ten little chimps do theCha -- Cha -- Chauntil Mama Chimps says,"Time for bed!"
Hardcover
First published February 7, 2006
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108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 17, 2021
We enjoyed this book! It was sooo much fun to read out loud in a sing song. The illustrations were funny too. "Deep in the forrest in the dim moonlight, ten little chimps sneak out for the night...."
July 17, 2025
This was fun to read out loud. The sound, the rhythm, seeing the animals move; it made me want to wiggle a little jig too.
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Ages: 2 - 5
Cleanliness: mentions cider though doesn't say it's alcoholic and no one gets drunk.
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See which counting books our family is enjoying: watch my reel!
Ages: 2 - 5
Cleanliness: mentions cider though doesn't say it's alcoholic and no one gets drunk.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
June 8, 2017
Even though this is a longer book, the group of preschoolers I read this to paid attention to the very end. It helped that there were lots of opportunities for them to interact because of a repeated phrase on every other page that I had them say with me every time. Good stuff.
January 6, 2009
This story with a beat is going to be a blast to read with my K-1 kids. A variation on the 10 little monkeys idea, the story has a countdown and repeating refrain, which makes this one perfect for "audience participation". I suspect this book will make for a rowdy and fun storytime. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.
(Jan. 8) OK. I've now read this one with several of my K-1 classes. I figured out that the story seems to go better if I introduce the story asking if they remember the story of the 10 little monkeys jumping on the bed (they usually do), and then have them practice doing a countdown. I ask if any of them watch Dancing with the stars, and usually several do and point out that, instead of jumping on the beds, the chimps are dancing and that some of those dances have some funny names (jitterbug usually gets a laugh). Then I ask them if they can help me when we get to the "refrain", but that they have to help keep track of which number we're on. It's definitely working out to be a blast to share.
(Jan. 8) OK. I've now read this one with several of my K-1 classes. I figured out that the story seems to go better if I introduce the story asking if they remember the story of the 10 little monkeys jumping on the bed (they usually do), and then have them practice doing a countdown. I ask if any of them watch Dancing with the stars, and usually several do and point out that, instead of jumping on the beds, the chimps are dancing and that some of those dances have some funny names (jitterbug usually gets a laugh). Then I ask them if they can help me when we get to the "refrain", but that they have to help keep track of which number we're on. It's definitely working out to be a blast to share.
April 26, 2013
Cha Cha Chimps is a story about 10 little chimps who sneak into Mambo Jamba's and dance the night away with other animals from the jungle. Everything is going great until Momma Chimp comes in to take the 10 home.
This book is full of great rhythm and can be read almost as a song. Its a great way to teach children rhythm and counting and keep their attention. I definitely plan to use this book in my classroom.
I would use this book with children as they're learning to count. I would do a read aloud and have them read the numbers as the book progresses.
This book is full of great rhythm and can be read almost as a song. Its a great way to teach children rhythm and counting and keep their attention. I definitely plan to use this book in my classroom.
I would use this book with children as they're learning to count. I would do a read aloud and have them read the numbers as the book progresses.
April 12, 2010
Cha-Cha Chimps by Julia Durango
A counting story that uses rhythm and rhyme to tell the story of 10 chimps that go out dancing. A fun read aloud with great pictures, you can get the kids to participate with dance steps or by repeating "oo-ee-oo" (who doesn't like making ape sounds?) while the chimps "cha-cha-cha."
A counting story that uses rhythm and rhyme to tell the story of 10 chimps that go out dancing. A fun read aloud with great pictures, you can get the kids to participate with dance steps or by repeating "oo-ee-oo" (who doesn't like making ape sounds?) while the chimps "cha-cha-cha."
September 30, 2010
This is a darling counting book with catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations. Ten little chimps head to Mambo Jamba's for a night of moving their feet while dancing to the beat. But uh-oh, here comes mama chimp...! Kids and adults alike will be tapping their toes to the cha-cha beat. Upbeat, fun, and energetic!!
September 12, 2012
I thought this book would be GREAT for children who are just learning numbers or just learning to count. It allowed interaction to come into play. The illustrations went along very well with the story. It also allows a visual of the numbers by showing how many monkeys are left after each page. I loved this book and thought it would be adorable for younger children.
July 11, 2008
Jules was right, this is a good one. Good rhyme, good repeating text the kids can say with you while you read. Excellent storytime pick. I sort of wish it ended with the chimps leaving the dance, though.
July 13, 2008
Cute rhyming book about animals dancing and chimps doing the cha-cha. "ee-ee-oo-oo-ah-ah-ah. 10 little chimps do the cha-cha-cha." The book counts down from 10 until the chimps go home to get in bed.
November 22, 2008
A rollicking romp through the jungle as the chimps sneak out at night to dance. Great fun for storytimes. The end of the story appeals to adult humor as Mama Chimp hires a babysitter and goes out to dance the rest of the night away.
May 9, 2010
Fun and rhythmic narrative along with cute illustrations make this a fun book to read at bedtime. The chimps are having a lot of fun dancing the night away, but now it's time for bed. Our girls thought this was a funny story. We've read this one a few times and we love it!
October 4, 2011
Just used this book in my first reading program of the year, and the kids loved it! The refrain is so catchy - ee ee, oo oo, ah ah ah, ten little chimps do the cha cha cha - it's a great way to encourage kids to participate in the reading.
February 8, 2013
Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor. SUPER cute. The rhyming was great, and the "ee-ee-oo-oo-ah-ah-ah!" sequence was really fun for the kids. The backwards counting was appreciated as well. And the kids thought the ending was hilarious. I'll definitely be looking for more by this author.
June 11, 2013
I used this in story hour today and the kids really enjoyed it -- especially repeating "ee ee ooh ooh ah ah ah". We finished up with the hokey pokey. I know a book is well received when a parent comes up at the end and asks to check out the book!
March 27, 2014
My five-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week. He likes number books.
This book is a great book for any toddler/preschool kid who likes counting and monkeys or chimps -- you know, all toddlers/preschool kids.
This book is a great book for any toddler/preschool kid who likes counting and monkeys or chimps -- you know, all toddlers/preschool kids.
March 8, 2008
Fun little song book with neat pictures. Dylan asked for it every day before nap. Even if I (according to Brian) sang it off key and out of rhythm.
May 31, 2008
Fun read aloud! Incorporate phonological awareness skills and counting.
July 21, 2008
A fellow teacher recommended this book to me. The kids love it and get into the rhythm of it.
September 2, 2008
fabulous for its simple rhythm
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June 27, 2010I have been reading this to my 3 1/3 year old every night for last week and a half. Great.
May 19, 2009
Probably good for Pre-k through 1st grade, esp. if the group is energetic, not shy about moving around. Teach them repeating ee-ee, ooh-ooh, etc. phrase before sharing rest of book.
September 5, 2010
Cha-Cha Chimps is a wonderful counting book full of witty text and hilarious pictures! I had many of my kindergartners in hysterics reading this book.
January 6, 2011
Great if you have something to bang on and add music beats together!!! We did this in our music class at my preschool- so much fun!
September 21, 2011
I love reading this for preschool storytime at work so I took it home to read with my two year old. He loved it and it was so much fun to have him do the monkey sounds with me.
June 3, 2012
Great to read with K-3 graders. Fun teaching them the cha cha cha afterward. They loved it!
January 12, 2020
Bouncy rhyming text counts down the dancing monkeys from 10 to 1.
October 15, 2012
October 2012. H loved the pictures and she laughed at this story.
January 20, 2013
Our family loves this book. The rhythm, the dances, the monkeys! It's a fun read for all ages.
February 21, 2013
Counting and dancing chimps? Yes please!! Great rhythm, reading for my jazz storytime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews