Monkey: Not Ready for the Baby

Monkey #2

by Marc Brown

The new baby is coming soon . . . but Monkey is NOT ready. Acclaimed author and illustrator Marc Brown (Arthur) offers a fun and reassuring story about becoming a big brother. Monkey is very nervous about the new baby. He likes being a little brother! Before the big arrival, Monkey must learn about what it means to be a big brother. Mommy, Daddy, and Brother show Monkey how to prepare for the Monkey can share his old baby things with his new little sibling. He can go to the hospital with Mommy to feel the baby kicking! Monkey can even help Mommy pick out all of the things that the baby will need, and get her packed and ready for the hospital. Finally, Monkey may just be ready to be a big brother! Praise for  Not Ready for Kindergarten “Brown’s hand-scrawled text and childlike pencil-and-gouache artwork give the impression that he’s on Monkey’s side—and that of readers—from the very first page, creating an eminently reassuring and empathetic resource for kindergarteners-to-be.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred review

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Animals, Childrens, Humor

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2016

About the author

Marc Tolon Brown is perhaps best known for his series of children's books about Arthur the aardvark, which was turned into an animated television show on PBS. Brown is a three-time Emmy Award winner, for his role on the television show inspired by his books.

He lives on Martha's Vineyard and in New York City with his wife, Laurie Krasny Brown. He has three children, sons Tolon and Tucker, and daughter Eliza. The names of his two sons have been hidden in all of the Arthur books except for one: Arthur's Tooth.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monkey returns in this second picture-book devoted to his adventures, following upon Monkey: Not Ready for Kindergarten . Dismayed at the idea that a new baby is on the way, Monkey insists that he likes being a younger brother, and isn't ready to be an older brother. But after visiting the doctor with his mother and hearing the baby's heartbeat, and helping his dad build the baby's crib, Monkey begins to reconsider...

Like its predecessor, Monkey: Not Ready for the Baby addresses a common childhood experience, one that many youngsters might find initially quite intimidating. In that first book it was the first day of school, here it is the arrival of a new sibling. Just as in the first story, Monkey's family is there to reassure him, drawing his attention away from his fears and toward the positive aspects of this new experience. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first story about Monkey and his family, and to anyone looking for stories about becoming an older sibling.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marc Brown adds to his new Monkey series, starring a character who encounters common childhood milestones, with an installment about preparing for a new baby. Although Monkey is not sure about the idea of a new baby, the book has a positive tone, with the family emphasizing loving and caring for the baby in an atmosphere of excitement. The preparations are typical for any family, from building the crib to listening to the baby’s heartbeat. Brown’s colored pencil and gauche illustrations have a childlike quality that, along with the handwritten font, lends credibility to the child’s point-of-view. Children ages 3-7, especially those who are expecting a new sibling, will appreciate this sweet family and their story.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Monkey is having a rough day, and then it gets worse. "We're having a baby!" "Our family is growing!" "You'll be a big brother just like me!"

Premise/plot: Monkey is not excited about being a big brother. He does not want a baby at his house. Will he change his mind after the baby comes?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. The story was a bit predictable, but it was also easy to relate to. The ending was sweet. I am glad that he gets a little sister!!!

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this new series by Marc Brown. I love the illustration style. As an only child, I don't know what it is like to deal with new siblings, but it seems like this is how a nervous big brother-to-be might act. He provides a lot of information about what a family has to do in order to get ready for a new baby. This will be helpful if you need to calm a little one about to meet a new sibling for the first time.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Marc Brown is charming me right from the first page, with his excellent start to this picture book and also his adorable, playful, quirky style as an illustrator.

To change the topic slightly....

When the new baby in Rose Rosetree's family was announced - replacing me, apparently....

Was I thrilled?

Although I was only four years old at the time, so that was more than seventy years ago, I sure remember the feelings. Haven't felt that particular Bundle of Woe for years, except, oops!

So much of my erstwhile rage-indignation-grief-confusion-and-angst all came roaring back to me, soon as I read about Monkey's funny picture, then Mommy's reaction.

ANOTHER POINT

Such a wonderful ending is there for us all, not that I'd give a spoiler, no no!

Mostly, with the ending (as well as all that came before) what impresses me most? That's how the highly creative Marc Brown never comes close to trite words or easy cliches. No mean feat. Marc Brown, you're such an original: Thank you for this wonderful book.

[Beleden V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I: 4 stars. As many as my age.

J: 4.5 stars. When Monkey felt the baby, she wanted to feel the baby too. When Monkey helped Mommy pack her hospital bag, we decided she could help me in a couple months too. At the end of the story, she seemed just as excited for our baby as Monkey was for his little sister.

[Andrew Claybourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple and straight forward picture book that is meant to prepare a child for having a younger sibling. The wording is simple and would be easy for a young child to comprehend. More importantly, the child would understand the message that the text is trying to convey. There is also a very unique crayon drawn art style that is truly stunning and catches the eye.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a standard picture book story: young kid is uncomfortable with being displaced but with living support comes around to welcome the new arrival. Sweet pictures go along.

My personal preference is for books where the kid is not convinced for a few more years, but that’s because that was my personal experience.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monkey is told by his parents that they are having a new baby to the family, and that Monkey will be a big brother. Monkey likes being a little brother, so he is not ready for the baby. Monkey's family prepares everyone, especially Monkey for the new arrival. When the baby is born, Monkey realizes that he is ready for the baby, and to be a big brother after all.

[Rebecca Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet little book. I think it would be good to share with little one who will soon be a big brother or big sister. Monkey’s experience seems to be something a lot of little ones will be able to relate to.

[Jessica Orona]

I love the illustrations in this book and how the words are written out like actual handwriting. It's a sweet story of a brother unsure he wants to be a big brother and share all his old baby things. I read this to my son who Is about to be a big brother in just a few weeks and he enjoyed it.

[Marie Arie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a little boy monkey not ready for the baby mom is going to have. He is worried about not getting the same attention. Great book for children who parent maybe expecting another child

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice & simple.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an F&G of this book at an ALA conference.

[Paul Graham Terpstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about preparing for a new addition in the family. Nice illustrations

[Lara Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a monkey family who prepare their son for the arrival of a new baby.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you need a new baby book that may help children understand the process of becoming a big sibling, this is cute.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Words cannot express my appreciation for a book in which the parents spend time and effort adequately preparing their children for a huge life change! (And it's really sad that this is an anomaly in children's picture books!)
Monkey isn't excited about a new baby arriving, but his parents (and older brother) give him ample time to get used to the idea, talk about his concerns, let him go to his mom's checkup, and more - all this so that by the time the baby comes, he's finally ready.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continuation of Monkey: Not Ready for Kindergarten addresses Monkey’s trepidation about a new baby in the family. He will be losing his status as the baby of the family and become a big brother and the middle child. He is clearly upset by the all the baby hype in the household. He sees baby-mania everywhere he goes and even has nightmares about the new baby. When his family senses his anxiety, they do whatever it takes to get Monkey on board with the new arrival. Trips to the doctor and baby store, helping to prepare the nursery and revisiting his baby pictures and baby clothes all help to assuage Monkey’s negative feelings. When the baby arrives, Monkey realizes that he can provide what the baby needs most: love. This sweet story will resonate with many young readers and pre-readers. The format features an anthropomorphic monkey family rendered in soft colored-pencil drawings complemented by hand-drawn manuscript text. Although the topic has been done before, this version is still worth sharing with youngsters in the same situation as Monkey.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monkey is going to be a big brother soon, but he’s not quite ready for the new baby. Eventually, he warms to the idea after helping his parents prepare for the baby’s arrival. This is the second book in Brown’s “Monkey Not Ready…” series. Although separate from the Arthur series, children will see minor guest appearances from familiar characters. The book is filled with bright, colored pencil drawn illustrations and short, simple sentences. The colorful, crayon written text adds to the appeal of the book. There are many books already in print about adapting to a new sibling and this book. This is a book that parents may want to read to their child to prepare them for a new sibling.

Original review found here:
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/searc...

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hackneyed treatment of an age-old theme

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monkey is not all that anxious for a little brother to arrive. In fact, he's a bit concerned that the new sibling will take his place as the little brother of the family. He's not interested in sharing anything or preparing for the baby's arrival. All that changes, though, when he feels the baby move and is increasingly drawn into the family's busy actions. It helps that his father reminds Monkey that babies need love. The story itself is infinitely familiar, but many youngsters need reassurance that they still matter when a new baby is born and that they have an important role to play too. The text was hand drawn, and the illustrations rely on colored pencils and gouache for their soft colors and shapes. Savvy readers will notice that the end papers feature many objects related to babies.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute book about a little monkey who doesn’t want to become a big brother. He goes through all sorts of stages before he adjusts to the new reality. Very realistic and presented in a cute way. Liked the slanted dialogue on each page. You had to look for it which made you looka t the pictures more.

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book about getting a younger sibling.

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Sweet! (Only complaint - and, it isn't really a complaint - is that the crayon-like illustrations and the text being written in "crayon" make it difficult for this old lady's eyes to read!)

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monkey is not ready for the new baby. He likes being the little brother... Gives concrete examples of what parents can do to prepare a child for a new sibling.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Effective story about the imminent arrival of a sibling.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet way to introduce young children to the idea of becoming a big brother or sister. Bright, colorful illustrations.

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really sweet book about a younger brother who learns he's about to be an older brother, and how his entire family helps him prepare. Really, really sweet!

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for a reluctant big brother or sister.