One Monkey Too Many

This is a fun counting book about monkeys who break the rules about how many people can do certain things at a time. Whenever one monkey too many joins the group, it starts off fun, but inevitably ends in disaster. The book is not exactly scary, but a lot of objects get broken, so it might be an uncomfortable read for kids with anxieties about breaking things. The story is quite humorous, and it has about 500 words.

This is one funny book! The story begins with a bear bikeseller telling the monkey, "This bike is for one. / One monkey can ride it, / and one can have fun." True to its title, it doesn't take long for "one monkey too many" to jump on the bike-with predictably disastrous results. "It started to wobble. / It started to pitch. One monkey too many crashed into the ditch!" Left with a busted bike, the two monkeys are given a cart by a golfing tiger. "Two," said the golfer. / "This cart is for two. / If you're looking for fun, / this is perfect for you." Would have been perfect, that is, if "one monkey too many" hadn't hopped right on. The story continues in this vein with the monkeys trying out a canoe, an elegant restaurant, and, finally, a large bed. At story's end, the book's author tells the monkeys, "This book is for six. The pages are full, / so no more of your tricks." Of course, as soon as the author goes out to lunch . . . you guessed it . . . one monkey too many gets into the book-literally-making a huge, hilarious mess all over the last page. Lynn Munsinger was the perfect choice for illustrating this clever creation. Her pen and ink and watercolor cartoons capture perfectly the rambunctious action and gleeful expressions of the monkeys, as well as the horrified-yet comical-faces of the onlookers. The book is a delight to read aloud. Highly recommended. Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff.

This is a wonderful book. The text has a lilting, easy-to-read flow to it, and the phrases are often hilarious, but the illustrations are what really make it a classic! My children love seeing what the naughty little monkeys will get themselves into next. The "twist" at the end of the book is the best part - we all laughed ourselves silly. What a fun, fun book for children and grownups alike!

My 3 and 4 year-olds love this book. The rhymes are very good (not your standard rhymes), the pictures are hysterical and the author manages to sneak in a counting exercise. Some books you get tired of reading but not this one. Finally, the lessons about safety (a not so subtle subtext) are not preachy but funny and to the point. You can't go wrong with this one.

The writing is great but the illustrations make the book. The monkeys are adorable and you can make a game out of discussing them with the kids. Lynn Munsinger has done it again!