Monkey Walk: A Zany Near-Wordless Picture Book About Turning a Bad Mood Around Through Helping Others for Kids

by Colleen Madden

It's a trip to the zoo like no other in Colleen Madden's author debut - a zany and nearly wordless tale of a big sister whose grumpy mood is turned around in a very unexpected way. Bring your imagination (and a banana!) for a guaranteed silly time adventure climbing the Monkey Walk.

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

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2018

About the author

After spending her childhood doodling, making wookie noises, pretending to be other interesting people, Colleen Madden grew up to write and draw children’s literature so she could keep doing those things. Her works as an author/illustrator include the graphic novel series Shelley Frankenstein, the picture books Monkey Walk, A Christmas Too Big and The Kiddie Table. She illustrated the best-selling series What If Everybody Did That, Penguin/Random House’s The 12 Days, and Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. She is currently working on new picture book titles and another graphic novel series.

And making wookie noises. 🙃

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A zoo visitor is forced to bargain to get her stolen hat and phone back from some playful animals.

I wasn't too crazy about this one, though the last picture in the book is pretty cute.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this story is about helping others, then it needs words to say so. Otherwise, the illustrations depict a selfish girl who resents helping others, behavior she might have learned from her device-distracted mother. The girl is forced to provide props for the orangutan in exchange for the return of her hat and, most importantly, her phone (which is aptly labeled MINE). She expresses no curiosity on the Monkey Walk and makes no attempt to communicate meaningfully with the animals, yet goes to great lengths to rescue her infernal phone—the source of her boredom with everything without a screen, the reflection of her own narcissistic desires.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monkey Walk by Colleen Madden, PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books, 2018. $18. 9780544888982

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A little girl goes to the zoo with her mom and two twin siblings. She decides to go on the “Monkey Walk” on her own. A rope ladder goes up into the air and leads to a bridge. When she gets to the top, an animal friend steals her hat, then her electronic game. To get her things back she has to make a trade. First she has to bring a banana. Then she has to bring some penguins. By the end of it the girl is satisfied and happy that she has helped out.

This book is almost completely wordless. I think it was supposed to make things more interesting when the monkey communicates with the girl through puppets, but I just found it confusing and unnecessary. The book didn’t make much sense to me in general. I could understand why the monkey would want a banana, but why did it want penguins to join it? The flow of the book was off. The detailed pictures were fun and a good representation of what you’ll really find at the zoo.

Shay, High School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a trip to the zoo like no other.

Visually witty illustrations by Colleen Madden entice me right away, and she's the author here as well. Following the story I'm delighted by how the main character, the big sister, helps others.

Now that's something I'd like to see more of in picture books. FIVE STARS for encouragement, then. And also because this happens to be a fabulous adventure between covers.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this nearly wordless story! I have a zoo right near by, so I am thinking my littles might enjoy the story before a zoo visit!. I enjoyed the illustrations, too. Very humorous, although, my heart nearly stopped when I got to the penguins... all ends well, so don;t be troubles over them! I think pre-3 grade would enjoy this story.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice wordless book. A girl's hat is taken by an orangutan at the zoo. First to get it back it asks for a trade. A banana for the hat. The girl complies. Next it asks for penguins and again she complies. They all have a party at the end.
wordless
zoo
Orangutan
trading

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly wordless book about a family's trip to the zoo.
A young girl's day is not going well until she does the monkey walk at the zoo. The animals take her hat and phone and offer a trade - banana, penguins - to get them back.
Detailed illustrations tell the story.

[Lauren S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I had no idea where the plot was taking us as readers. The illustrations were beautiful and the colors were so vibrant. I am conducting outreach visits for the library I work at and am thinking about taking this book along with me!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are very few words in this book. The story isn't entirely obvious, and there is much that is open to interpretation. But if the parent reads the overleaf they may be able to guide the child through the story.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nearly wordless book was a huge hit with both me and my daughter. It was so cute to watch how the little girl bargained with the animal that took her stuff. Loved! Plus, the penguins are so cute and squishy-looking, how could anyone not love them. Illustrations are AMAZING!

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book; reminiscent of Good Night Gorilla.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun! Nearly-wordless book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, silly fun at the zoo.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turned out to be more entertaining than I thought it would be at first. Part of me was hoping she wouldn't get her device back by the end. But I'm old fashioned.

[Anjanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story
mostly wordless.....

[Tracy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of very few words. It is a cute concept, but why does the monkey want the penguins in the tree with him and where did he get all his puppets?

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, sort of wordless but not really. I think it's funnier than I think it is. A bit of a lackluster ending for me. I may also just be in a bad mood.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly wordless picture book with an unexpected ending.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wordless picture book that would work within a classroom.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The penguins were adorable.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a child's hat is stolen at the zoo, a series of escalating trades brings some fun.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A near wordless comic-style book that is more appropriate for ages 5-7. Amazing humor and so much to notice as you read together 1-on-1

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost wordless, but mostly funny.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nearly wordless picture book was more of a hit with Mr. C. than expected. It grew on me over the course of a million readings.

[Aarvik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice one !

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny!

[Crystal]

Final copy via publisher

[Jill]

3.5 for this almost wordless picture book about a day at the zoo. Loved the illustrations.