Koko's Story

by Francine Patterson, Ronald H. Cohn (Photographer)

The author recounts her experiences with Koko, a gorilla, during the fourteen years she has been teaching her to communicate through sign language

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Animals, Science

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Francine "Penny" Patterson is an American animal psychologist. She is best known for teaching a modified form of American Sign Language, which she calls "Gorilla Sign Language", or GSL, to a gorilla named Koko beginning in 1972.

Reviews

[Mira Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much. What a beautiful story and heartwarming read.

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Koko is awesome!

[Dalene Arizmendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, I loved this book. It's a story about a gorilla who learned sign language and is able to communicate her feelings and thoughts. This book is great for small children, especially Koko's kitten, which is the sequel. The book can bring awareness to the importance of preserving wildlife, or it can be debated over taking wild animals out of their natural habitat. The themes of this book includes animals and communication. I give this book 4/5 stars because it emphasizes the importance of being wildlife.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie, but a goodie. Kids will delight in hearing about Koko, a remarkable gorilla trained by Dr. Francine Patterson. More person-like than her own species, this would allow tremendous debate about how she lives (i.e. quality of life). A quick search on youtube will bring media into play. Paired with Koko's Kitten, Koko's story will teach more than narrative nonfiction to middle grade readers.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having grown up with "Koko's Kitten" I was delighted to find this book in the used bookstore. I love seeing the whole story about Koko. There were a few places where the story shows it's age, and I often wonder about a real update.

[kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

my students are now in love with Koko. my job is done! :)