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Library Book: Little Beauty
Once there was a very special gorilla who had almost everything he needed. There was only one thing he didn’t have: a friend. With no other gorillas at the zoo, the keepers try something new. Will the gigantic ape strike a bond with another sort of creature, one as tiny and innocent as a kitten? Sparked by the story of a real gorilla who learned to sign, Little Beauty is a celebration of a most surprising friendship.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
July 20, 2024
This is the story of a very sad gorilla. And, for anyone turning pages, the first thing you will be mesmerized by is the stunning visual artistic illustrations.
This particular gorilla could also communicate via sign language. Which made his ability to “talk” with humans fascinating for kids to see. And what he needed most was…a friend.
So, the humans at the zoo, gave him a friend, a kitty named “Beauty” that they asked him not to eat.
And, this is their story – the gorilla and the kitty.
Children will learn the importance of friendship and communication in this heart-loving story.
Reading level: 3 – 6 years – Grades – Preschool – 2nd grade
This particular gorilla could also communicate via sign language. Which made his ability to “talk” with humans fascinating for kids to see. And what he needed most was…a friend.
So, the humans at the zoo, gave him a friend, a kitty named “Beauty” that they asked him not to eat.
And, this is their story – the gorilla and the kitty.
Children will learn the importance of friendship and communication in this heart-loving story.
Reading level: 3 – 6 years – Grades – Preschool – 2nd grade
December 26, 2019
I bought this for my nephew but I’m pretty sure I liked it more than him!
August 8, 2024
One of his finest.
May 5, 2019
An ape who knows sign language is given a kitten to care for, and love. Sounds a bit like the story of Koko and All Ball, but the duo in this book manages to create their own special tale . . . due largely to the author's exquisite artwork.
May 14, 2019
A very special gorilla with the ability to use sign language indicates to his human keepers that he wants a friend. After some thought, they provide him with a little kitten named Beauty, and a wonderful cross-species friendship is born. Gorilla and cat do everything together, becoming boon companions. But will they be separated when the gorilla loses his temper? Or will Beauty find a way to make things right...?
A fictional tale inspired by the true story of Koko the gorilla and her feline companions, Little Beauty pairs an engaging, emotionally resonant text with immensely appealing, expressive illustrations. I've always found it fascinating and quite moving, that gorillas have such a soft spot for cats, so I was quite excited to discover this picture-book on the shelf at the library, particularly as I have enjoyed so many of author/illustrator Anthony Browne's other books. I was not disappointed, finding that word and image worked perfectly together to create a poignant and ultimately satisfying story. Little Beauty herself is immensely charming - perhaps not a surprise, given my fondness for all things feline. Recommended to young gorilla and/or cat lovers, as well as to fellow fans of Browne's work.
A fictional tale inspired by the true story of Koko the gorilla and her feline companions, Little Beauty pairs an engaging, emotionally resonant text with immensely appealing, expressive illustrations. I've always found it fascinating and quite moving, that gorillas have such a soft spot for cats, so I was quite excited to discover this picture-book on the shelf at the library, particularly as I have enjoyed so many of author/illustrator Anthony Browne's other books. I was not disappointed, finding that word and image worked perfectly together to create a poignant and ultimately satisfying story. Little Beauty herself is immensely charming - perhaps not a surprise, given my fondness for all things feline. Recommended to young gorilla and/or cat lovers, as well as to fellow fans of Browne's work.
August 18, 2025
Cuando en 1974 la universidad de Stanford le enseño lenguaje de señas a Koko y este a través de él dice querer un amigo. Es así cómo llega a su vida "Linda", una hermosa gatita. Una amistad a prueba de todo y que lo transformará en que todos los y las animales pueden tener esa condición que a veces creemos tener solo nosotros/as las humanos/as. Me encanta poder distraer la cabeza con estas increíbles historias que no tienen límite de edad.
Aquí lo encuentras.
Aquí lo encuentras.
September 1, 2012
A very special gorilla seems to have everything he needs, apart from a friend. When his zoo-keepers give him a kitten to befriend the pair become inseparable. However, when the gorilla gets angry and breaks the TV the zoo- keepers are not impressed. It seems as if this might be the end of their friendship, until the quick-thinking kitten steps in and they live happily ever after.
The story line itself can be a starting point for discussion about loneliness, friendship, and kindness, potentially supporting PSHE topics. Throughout the story the gorilla experiences a range of emotions; sadness, happiness, anger, all of which are conveyed by the expressions on the gorilla’s face.
This book has the potential to be used with a wide range of ages. The striking, life-like illustrations draw in the attention of even the youngest readers. In essence this is a picture book, Browne’s enthusiasm lies in encouraging children to become readers of both words and pictures. The detailed illustrations frequently convey their own meaning, for example the explanation that the gorilla and the kitten ‘did everything together’ is accompanied by a humorous image of both animals sitting next to each other, each on the toilet! This book thus lends itself to being read without the text at first, children can have great fun simply looking at the pictures and making up their own version of the story.
Older readers might appreciate the hidden details within the illustrations, for example the reference to King Kong. Browne has written and illustrated many other books, often characterised by almost surreal illustrations, hidden details and visual puns. Exploring this book could form part of a literacy project on comparing texts by the same author.
The story line itself can be a starting point for discussion about loneliness, friendship, and kindness, potentially supporting PSHE topics. Throughout the story the gorilla experiences a range of emotions; sadness, happiness, anger, all of which are conveyed by the expressions on the gorilla’s face.
This book has the potential to be used with a wide range of ages. The striking, life-like illustrations draw in the attention of even the youngest readers. In essence this is a picture book, Browne’s enthusiasm lies in encouraging children to become readers of both words and pictures. The detailed illustrations frequently convey their own meaning, for example the explanation that the gorilla and the kitten ‘did everything together’ is accompanied by a humorous image of both animals sitting next to each other, each on the toilet! This book thus lends itself to being read without the text at first, children can have great fun simply looking at the pictures and making up their own version of the story.
Older readers might appreciate the hidden details within the illustrations, for example the reference to King Kong. Browne has written and illustrated many other books, often characterised by almost surreal illustrations, hidden details and visual puns. Exploring this book could form part of a literacy project on comparing texts by the same author.
May 15, 2009
Gorilla has everything he needs, but he is lonely. So, he asks his keepers for a friend, using sign language. They give him a kitten, Little Beauty, and tell him "Don't eat her."
The gorilla loves the kitten. He gives her milk, and honey (she just looks at the honey) and they are very happy. The illustrations will have you smiling as gorilla and Little Beauty swing through the pages (sometimes literally) having fun and enjoying each other's company. I love the mismatched size of the friends, and their own smiling faces as they do everything together.
Then, there's a crisis and only Little Beauty's quick thinking prevents the keepers from taking her away. There's a happy ending. Yay!
Yes, this is a retelling of the story of the real-life Koko, the gorilla who knows sign language, and her cat All-Ball, but recreated in Anthony Browne's signature style. The front cover alone has enough charm to carry this delightful book. The oversized pictures make this great for sharing with a group.
Highly recommended for everyone!
The gorilla loves the kitten. He gives her milk, and honey (she just looks at the honey) and they are very happy. The illustrations will have you smiling as gorilla and Little Beauty swing through the pages (sometimes literally) having fun and enjoying each other's company. I love the mismatched size of the friends, and their own smiling faces as they do everything together.
Then, there's a crisis and only Little Beauty's quick thinking prevents the keepers from taking her away. There's a happy ending. Yay!
Yes, this is a retelling of the story of the real-life Koko, the gorilla who knows sign language, and her cat All-Ball, but recreated in Anthony Browne's signature style. The front cover alone has enough charm to carry this delightful book. The oversized pictures make this great for sharing with a group.
Highly recommended for everyone!
April 30, 2009
If you like cute cats, and gorillas, you will love this book. Drawn from the true story of Koko the gorilla, and her kitten All Ball Koko's Kitten, Anthony Browne puts his own twist on this tale of a gorilla who wants a friend.
In this version, the gorilla has all the comforts of home, including an easy chair and a television. What he doesn't have is a friend. Since he is able to communicate with sign language, he can ask for one, and in comes Little Beauty, a cute tabby kitten, and a lovely friendship.
When the gorilla gets upset by the movie on the TV, and smashes the set, it looks like the two friends will be separated as a consequence. Until Little Beauty takes the rap!
Strange in that special Anthony Browne way, this book's undeniable charms, large illustrations, and spare text would be great for a storytime, either one on one, or with a group.
In this version, the gorilla has all the comforts of home, including an easy chair and a television. What he doesn't have is a friend. Since he is able to communicate with sign language, he can ask for one, and in comes Little Beauty, a cute tabby kitten, and a lovely friendship.
When the gorilla gets upset by the movie on the TV, and smashes the set, it looks like the two friends will be separated as a consequence. Until Little Beauty takes the rap!
Strange in that special Anthony Browne way, this book's undeniable charms, large illustrations, and spare text would be great for a storytime, either one on one, or with a group.
January 21, 2009
Koko love heart pictures. Koko sad bad writing.
October 22, 2012
Moving and beautiful and full of joy.
This one really got to me in the best sort of way.
This one really got to me in the best sort of way.
May 15, 2019
A very clever twist on the fairy tale by Anthony Browne. A lonely gorilla is given a little beauty, a cat, as a gift by his keepers to keep him company. They form a close bond but are almost split up. But the little beauty's quick thinking allows them to live happily every after.
The authors clever illustrations make it easy to engage in the story and allow us to learn more about the characters than the words allow on their own. This would be a great lesson to do with the children. Particularly in a Year 2 class.
The emotions experienced by the Gorilla are something that all children will have experienced at some part in their lives, making this book something that they will be able to relate to. This could also make their interpretations of the emotions shown through the illustrations even better.
Through the text, different aspects of SPAG can be taught:
- Simple Sentences
- Speech
- Exclamation Sentences
- Commas to avoid ambiguity
Art lessons could allow children to think in more depth about the effect of the illustrations on the story. They could explore lines, shadows, backgrounds, frames and textures.
PSHE could be a useful cross-curricular link to ensure everyone has knowledge and understanding of the emotions that appear in the book.
This book is a refreshing different fairy tale text with useful connections to the curriculum.
The authors clever illustrations make it easy to engage in the story and allow us to learn more about the characters than the words allow on their own. This would be a great lesson to do with the children. Particularly in a Year 2 class.
The emotions experienced by the Gorilla are something that all children will have experienced at some part in their lives, making this book something that they will be able to relate to. This could also make their interpretations of the emotions shown through the illustrations even better.
Through the text, different aspects of SPAG can be taught:
- Simple Sentences
- Speech
- Exclamation Sentences
- Commas to avoid ambiguity
Art lessons could allow children to think in more depth about the effect of the illustrations on the story. They could explore lines, shadows, backgrounds, frames and textures.
PSHE could be a useful cross-curricular link to ensure everyone has knowledge and understanding of the emotions that appear in the book.
This book is a refreshing different fairy tale text with useful connections to the curriculum.
November 30, 2009
As I read this book I was thinking it was referring to a gorilla I have heard about learning to sign for communication. I thought was a cool concept to take a real event and turn into a childrens story. I thought it had a really weird twist with no consequences and did not like the endings. I also felt that the illustrations were inconsistent and on various pages looked like another illustrator threw their images in. I guess since I knew of this actual gorilla I was hoping for a more accurate account of its life.
October 7, 2019
Alena really liked this book. I noticed I have a similar book on my to-read list. I wanted to put this here to remind myself of this version of the true story. I liked it. I especially like that the gorilla was able to be with the kitten again. I am sad about the lonely gorilla in a cage. It will be interesting to read the real-life version of the story.
June 15, 2019
عنوان ترجمه فارسی: گوریل و دوست کوچکش
January 16, 2024
I read this book in Hebrew, working on improving my basic language skills. The illustrations were a phenomenal encouragement!
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March 6, 2023Reading with my kids 😀😀
August 5, 2018
A beautiful story of animal friendship.
July 31, 2020
This book reminded me of the true story of Koko's Kitten, both the story and the illustrations were adorable.
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November 2, 2014This is a story of a gorilla who learned sign language. He lives at the zoo and seemingly has everything, including a TV. However, he is sad and lonely. One day he signs to his keepers that he would like a friend, so they give him a kitten named Little Beauty. The two friends are very different in size and appearance, but they get along well and do everything together. One day, while watching a movie about King Kong, gorilla gets mad and smashes the TV. When the zookeepers come, they want to take away his friend. Suddenly (and surprisingly), Little Beauty uses sign language to tell them that she broke the TV. The two friends can stay together and it’s a happy ending.
This is a picture book because text and illustrations are interwoven. Simple text inspires beautiful illustrations. There is a narrative structure and a clear sequence of events in both text and pictures, enabling even non-readers to retell the book easily using just the pictures. Close-ups of the characters and details of illustrations convey a wide range of emotions and moods. Illustrations are oversized, making it easy for teachers to share them with the group.
This book can be used with K-2 students as a read-aloud or for shared reading. Some of the topics for discussion and instruction are the value of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice, using words to express anger, and sign language as a way to communicate. Educational concepts that can be taught in grade K are size and opposites (big gorilla and small Koko.) Children can try to predict what would happen after the gorilla breaks the TV. They can also practice retelling the story using picture clues and integrating text and pictures to discuss story elements and details. (ELA 0.1.2.2/1.1.2.2 and 0.1.7.7/1.1.7.7)
Little Beauty is based on a real-life story of gorilla Koko and her kitten All Ball. As an extension, children can be introduced to the non-fiction book Koko’s Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson. (This one deals with the death of the first kitten, so teachers should carefully consider whether/how to use it with young children.) Another book students might enjoy is Unlikely Friendships (“for kids” version) by Jennifer Holland, with stories and photos of friendships among different animals.
Students can expand their discussion to their pets and special relationships with them. For example, how does your pet communicate with you? They can write short paragraphs about it. Alternately, the teacher can have the whole class come up with their own collaborative book about friendships with pets using Language Experience Approach, interactive or guided writing, depending on the level.
This is a picture book because text and illustrations are interwoven. Simple text inspires beautiful illustrations. There is a narrative structure and a clear sequence of events in both text and pictures, enabling even non-readers to retell the book easily using just the pictures. Close-ups of the characters and details of illustrations convey a wide range of emotions and moods. Illustrations are oversized, making it easy for teachers to share them with the group.
This book can be used with K-2 students as a read-aloud or for shared reading. Some of the topics for discussion and instruction are the value of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice, using words to express anger, and sign language as a way to communicate. Educational concepts that can be taught in grade K are size and opposites (big gorilla and small Koko.) Children can try to predict what would happen after the gorilla breaks the TV. They can also practice retelling the story using picture clues and integrating text and pictures to discuss story elements and details. (ELA 0.1.2.2/1.1.2.2 and 0.1.7.7/1.1.7.7)
Little Beauty is based on a real-life story of gorilla Koko and her kitten All Ball. As an extension, children can be introduced to the non-fiction book Koko’s Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson. (This one deals with the death of the first kitten, so teachers should carefully consider whether/how to use it with young children.) Another book students might enjoy is Unlikely Friendships (“for kids” version) by Jennifer Holland, with stories and photos of friendships among different animals.
Students can expand their discussion to their pets and special relationships with them. For example, how does your pet communicate with you? They can write short paragraphs about it. Alternately, the teacher can have the whole class come up with their own collaborative book about friendships with pets using Language Experience Approach, interactive or guided writing, depending on the level.
October 29, 2013
In “Little Beauty” by Anthony Browne, a trained gorilla that does sign language wanted a friend. So his keepers gave him a tiny kitten and they became the best of friends. The artistic elements are heavily weighted and varied throughout this book. The end pages were a burnt orange floral pattern which was shown in a few of the illustrations. On the dust jackets were excerpts of a short summary about the book, tells what inspired Anthony Browne to write this story, where he is from and other books that he has written and illustrated. The first end page is of a green rose with the kittens face subtly drawn in the middle, on the actual title page is a pink rose with the gorillas face subtly drawn in the middle. A lot of the illustrations are full bleed with the occasional boarder. There are quite a few close ups of the gorilla’s face which accurately displays the emotion he is feeling. All of the pictures are on a white background, some being full spread across both pages. There are a couple of pages that just have illustrations on them leaving the reader to figure out the how the story continues with no words on the page. There was one full bleed illustration of the gorilla smashing the TV in a red tint creating a violent mood and speeding up the climax of the story line. The point of view varies throughout the story, switching from the gorillas view to the keepers view to the audiences view when there are boarders. I recommend this story because the illustrations really come to life in this book, and is based off of an actual gorilla who learned sign language which would make for interesting conversation.
February 11, 2016
Review of Nonprint: Nutmeg Media: Little Beauty (Picture Book Read on DVD)
This is a wonderful children’s book written by the award winning British author, Anthony Browne. This book is inspired by a real-life gorilla, Koko, who communicated through sign language. In this book a gorilla learns sign language and seems to have everything, but is still sad because he does not have a friend. The zookeepers decide to give the gorilla a kitten, Beauty, as a friend. The two become wonderful friends. One day the gorilla becomes upset when his feelings are hurt. Beauty shows what being a friend is in the end which will leave young readers learning a lesson of friendship. The illustrations are captivating and even humorous. Surely young readers will want to read the book several times. This book would be appropriate for grades kindergarten through second grade. The book covers childhood themes of friendships and anger. It would be a nice book for exploring character feelings and relationships with problems and solutions.
I watched the book on DVD. The book was read with sound effects added such as a gorilla’s growl and a TV breaking. There was music in the background, as well. The full page of the book was never shown. The camera just zoomed in and out of smaller parts of the pages on one illustration. The speaker read with a nice tone and added excitement in the correct places. I felt reading the book itself was more meaningful than watching it on DVD. The sound effects seemed to me more of a distraction and some of the illustrations were cut short. I recommend the book and would only recommend the video after reading the book by itself first.
This is a wonderful children’s book written by the award winning British author, Anthony Browne. This book is inspired by a real-life gorilla, Koko, who communicated through sign language. In this book a gorilla learns sign language and seems to have everything, but is still sad because he does not have a friend. The zookeepers decide to give the gorilla a kitten, Beauty, as a friend. The two become wonderful friends. One day the gorilla becomes upset when his feelings are hurt. Beauty shows what being a friend is in the end which will leave young readers learning a lesson of friendship. The illustrations are captivating and even humorous. Surely young readers will want to read the book several times. This book would be appropriate for grades kindergarten through second grade. The book covers childhood themes of friendships and anger. It would be a nice book for exploring character feelings and relationships with problems and solutions.
I watched the book on DVD. The book was read with sound effects added such as a gorilla’s growl and a TV breaking. There was music in the background, as well. The full page of the book was never shown. The camera just zoomed in and out of smaller parts of the pages on one illustration. The speaker read with a nice tone and added excitement in the correct places. I felt reading the book itself was more meaningful than watching it on DVD. The sound effects seemed to me more of a distraction and some of the illustrations were cut short. I recommend the book and would only recommend the video after reading the book by itself first.
August 12, 2012
Gorilla lives in a zoo but he has a TV, a recliner and eats and drinks from plates and cups. He is lonely, so his handlers give him a kitten (Little Beauty) who becomes his close friend. One day when he watches King Kong on television, he becomes so angry at the story that he breaks the television. Angry at Gorilla and scared for Little Beauty, his handlers threaten to take away his friend. But someone comes to Gorilla's rescue. Who could it be? Its Little Beauty. She learned sign language from Gorilla and tells the handlers she broke the TV. So in the end, Gorilla and Little Beauty live happily ever after. This story is a little bit of a play on Kong and the traditional Beauty & the Beast, and can be used to teach children about using words to express their anger and being loyal in the face of diversity.
I adore Anthony Browne's art. It is more sophisticated looking than the usual children's picture book art, but the detailed facial expressions make the characters relatable. I just fall in love with all of his Gorillas.
I adore Anthony Browne's art. It is more sophisticated looking than the usual children's picture book art, but the detailed facial expressions make the characters relatable. I just fall in love with all of his Gorillas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 19, 2011This book is about a gorilla in a zoo that does Sign Language. He is a sad gorilla because there are no other gorillas in the zoo and he has no friends. Th keeper gave the gorilla a little friend called Beauty, who was a little kitten. The gorilla loved Beauty, he fed her and they were very happy. They did everything together. One day, gorilla and the kitten were watching a movie together about a gorilla who climbs the Empire State Building. Gorilla became angry and broke the TV. The keepers were about to take Beauty away when she started to sign and say that it was her that broke the TV! The keepers started laughing and let them stay together.
This book made me go "ahhhhh!" when I read it!
The power of friendship regardless of how one looks like or how big or small one is! A great read!
This book made me go "ahhhhh!" when I read it!
The power of friendship regardless of how one looks like or how big or small one is! A great read!
January 15, 2009
Admittedly, I am not a fan of Anthony Browne. Of all of his books, though, I like this one best. The story of a lonely gorilla who signs (similar to Koko and the kitten) getting a kitten as a friend is one children will find appealing. The faces of the gorilla and other characters are very expressive. I think children will be tickled by the twist at the end.
July 18, 2009
I first read this book in Spanish, which I do not speak (Cosita Linda). So I got to make up a story of my own based on the pictures. It ended up with Kitty taking a bullet. It was AMAZING!
When I read the English version, it only slightly differed from my own except for the ending in which everyone lives...
The reviews talk about the illustration, but the story is really just ok.
When I read the English version, it only slightly differed from my own except for the ending in which everyone lives...
The reviews talk about the illustration, but the story is really just ok.
March 17, 2010
The goofy, besotted gorilla expressions, the contrast of the huge gorilla and the teensy kitten and their joy in each other, and finally the twist at the end (kitty understands what to do to save their companionship), made this an "ahhh" read that made me smile. Can't imagine anyone that wouldn't.
September 21, 2011
Its based on a true story, which is incredible...so they should have stuck to it and made it non-fiction. I found the ending confusing and why the gorilla has to be locked up rather than in the wild? This one made me so sad and frustrated. Booo!
July 20, 2018
It's a good book on friendship.
December 4, 2021
Beauty and the Beast meets King Kong. It is a sweet story of companionship between a Gorilla and a kitten with touches of humor and a strong message. I love that Browne is never heavy handed.
I think this book is often misunderstood.
1. This is not intended to be Koko, it is a fictional Gorilla.
2. He lives in a zoo, but it looks like a house with an armchair, TV, and toilet, this is whimsy.
3. Gorilla becomes angry at the end because he is watching King Kong, a story he certainly would identify with since it is about a gentle giant that is taken from his natural environment and exploited. He finds companionship in a small LITTLE BEAUTY-ful girl that he would never harm, but he is seen as a monster and shot. This scenario then plays out immediately following the destruction of the TV, Gorilla is misunderstood and the zookeepers think that the kitten is in danger so they are about to punish Gorilla.
4. Some have a moral dilemma with the kitten "lying" at the end, which I find absurd, the little kitten is taking the fall to save her friend, self sacrifice the highest act of love.
I think this book is often misunderstood.
1. This is not intended to be Koko, it is a fictional Gorilla.
2. He lives in a zoo, but it looks like a house with an armchair, TV, and toilet, this is whimsy.
3. Gorilla becomes angry at the end because he is watching King Kong, a story he certainly would identify with since it is about a gentle giant that is taken from his natural environment and exploited. He finds companionship in a small LITTLE BEAUTY-ful girl that he would never harm, but he is seen as a monster and shot. This scenario then plays out immediately following the destruction of the TV, Gorilla is misunderstood and the zookeepers think that the kitten is in danger so they are about to punish Gorilla.
4. Some have a moral dilemma with the kitten "lying" at the end, which I find absurd, the little kitten is taking the fall to save her friend, self sacrifice the highest act of love.
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