Little Beauty

Once upon a time there was a gorilla who could have anything he wanted because he learned how to ask for things by signing to his keepers. He could even get a mug of coffee or cocoa to go with his burger if he felt like it. He would sit in his flowery chair, remote in hand, watching television, but something was missing and it wasn't relish on his hamburger. His lips were turned down and his eyes were sad. He knew exactly what he wanted and "he signed to his keepers, "I ... want ... a friend." Hmmmm, were they going to be able to help him? One of them had an idea and soon a little kitten named "Beauty" was placed in his hands and he was told not to "eat her." He fed her, he cuddled her, he pampered her and they loved each other. "They did everything together" and when he piddled on his potty she piddled in her kitty litter box. One night they were watching King Kong dragging Fay Wray up the Empire State Building and he got so mad he smashed the television set. The keepers ran in and were going to take Beauty away. What would he do without her? This is a heartwarming tale of friendship and love. The art work is beautiful and brings out the emotional aspects of the story. This story is obviously reminiscent of the famous Koko and her kitten and just as charming. This is a tale that will appeal both the children and adults alike!

I bought it because of the beautiful moral twist to it. Whether the great grand children get that or not, they are enjoying it. It was delivered rapidly and in good shape.A worthy purchase.

My 5 year old loves this book. I enjoy reading it to her. I have both books about Koko the signing gorilla. I read them to my daughter, they were both a little too wordy. They will definetly be a hit when she is a little older. For now Little Beauty is a wonderful lesson in love and friendship. The illustrations are great and we always turn the last page with a smile!

My 5-year-old and 4-year-old love this book -- it's laugh out loud funny every time we read it (I won't give it away here, but bathroom humor is always good for a laugh). The pictures are beautiful. I would highly recommend this book -- I'm thinking of reading it to my son's Kindergarten class when I'm the visiting reader.

Few can resist the art of Anthony Browne. His name on the cover guarantees sales to a multitude of parents, grandparents and doting aunts and uncles. His art is often times larger than life as is his skill in blending watercolors with stories that not only appeal to children but also often reflect feelings familiar to them. Little Beauty is the charming story of a very unlikely friendship between a gorilla and a very small kitten named Beauty. The gorilla was extraordinary because he had been taught to use a sign language, thus he was able to tell his keepers what he wanted. He seemed to be quite comfortable with accouterment that other gorillas might only dream about. Nonetheless, he was very sad. His keepers were puzzled until one day he signed to them, "I want a friend." They wondered what could be done as there were no other gorillas at the zoo. So, they gave him Beauty saying, "Don't Eat Her." Well, the gorilla loved Beauty, and this is the story of their friendship , as well as an excellent opportunity for youngsters to be reminded of the meaning of loyalty, protection, and love. - Gail Cooke