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40 pp.
| Sterling
| March, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4549-1321-4$14.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Stephan Britt.
An unusual ape named Norman thwarts the (brown-skinned) "junior scientist," who speaks directly to readers, as she attempts to define "normal." From his "dual-rocket jet pack" to his beloved stuffed aardvark, Norman defies expectations and ultimately inspires the narrator to be herself. The heavy-handed ending undercuts the book's effectiveness, but Britt's vividly colored illustrations mix eye-catching patterns and evoke a lively mid-century style.
40 pp.
| TOON
| September, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-943145-09-6$12.95
(2)
1-3
Oddball (evil) friends Ape and Armadillo are in a fight; Ape thinks he always has to do the dirty work. Whichever side readers are on, they'll appreciate the pitch-perfect push-and-pull. Clear panel illustrations make the characters' imaginative scenarios easy to follow. Bonus comics appear below the main story, giving these (not very evil) child stand-ins more room to bicker--and make up.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2016
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
A. Richard Allen.
One after another, various apes attempt to tidy up a town, but each makes things progressively worse. Finally, Baking Great Ape calms everyone down with cake. The silly story's cumulative humor and repeated refrain--"Bogo! Pogo! Apes A-Go-Go!"--give the book lots of story-hour appeal. Allen's energetic muted-color illustrations imbue the well-intended apes with personality.
24 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62403-287-5$17.95
(4)
K-3
Super SandCastle: This or That? series.
A brief, easy-to-read text and close-up photos cover differences between moneys and apes--from hands (apes have thumbs on their hands; not all monkeys do) to tails (most monkeys have them, apes do not). Readers will learn a few facts about these very similar creatures, but this isn't a complete introduction to either group. An "At a Glance" recap and a craft activity are appended. Glos.
56 pp.
| Kingfisher/Macmillan
| August, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7534-6603-2$9.99 New ed. (2004)
(4)
K-3
Discover Science series.
This book presents very basic information about the title creatures. The text could be better organized and a little more in-depth (e.g., the statement, "What is an ape? You are one!" is never explained or explored). Many engaging photos, a quiz, and craft projects are included. This revised edition was originally part of the Kingfisher Young Knowledge series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
100 Things You Should Know About series.
These books present one hundred facts (most randomly selected and displayed) about the title mammals, in addition to "I Don't Believe It!" sidebars. Though not particularly helpful on their own, the volumes' snippets just may entice readers to seek further information. The busy pages are tightly packed with photos, cartoonlike drawings, and more realistic illustrations. Ind. Review covers these 100 Things You Should Know About titles: Bears and Monkeys & Apes.
(4)
4-6
A plane crash leaves Jack abandoned in an isolated Tanzanian wilderness. Scared and alone, he's found by "Stone Boy" and a band of pre-human primates. After a few weeks fighting lions and hunting bucks with his prehistoric friend, Jack's character, along with his physique, grows and developes in all the expected ways. Despite the predictable arc, readers will enjoy this imaginative adventure.
48 pp.
| Candlewick
| December, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-3471-1$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Vicky White.
Simple text in large type and pencil and oil pictures on expansive white pages introduce the five species of great apes--including humans. Spreads provide basic information about diet, behavior, and social structure. Footnotes in a smaller cursive type offer more detail. Close-up portraits of the apes, intimate but not sentimentalized, and concise, respectful text will draw youngsters in. Websites. Ind.
Reviewer: Roger Sutton
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2008
24 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 1-57765-967-8$$21.35
(4)
K-3
Buddy Books: Prehistoric Animals series.
Prehistoric mammals are compared to their modern-day counterparts in terms of their physical appearance and eating habits and whether they live solo or in a group. In each book, a child is shown with a fossil (often a tooth) to compare sizes, and each includes a map and a prehistoric timeline. Although explained in the text, terms such as dermal ossicle challenge the second-grade reading level. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Buddy Books: Prehistoric Animals titles: Dire Wolf, Giant Ape, Giant Ground Sloth, Giant Rhino, Saber-toothed Cat, and Woolly Mammoth.]
(4)
4-6
DK Secret Worlds series.
This small book uses anecdotes and numerous photos to describe the world of apes. In addition to discussing biology and social life, the text explores the history of primate research and the connection between apes and humans. The layout is distractingly cluttered, but the information will be useful to report writers. A list of "Primate Organizations" is appended. Glos., ind.
46 pp.
| Checkmark
| March, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-8160-3927-5$$16.95
(4)
4-6
Animal Watch series.
Beginning with an overview of the branches of the primate order, this dense biology volume continues with intense surveys of monkey and ape species, culminating with chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans. The small print is hard to read, and curiously, the author disingenuously waffles on evolution. Color photos, drawings, maps, taxonomic fact files, and sidebars supplement the text. Glos., ind.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Michael McCurdy.
Adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs's 1914 novel Tarzan of the Apes, this picture book faithfully re-creates the original book's thrilling, albeit unrealistic, jungle environment, in which a boy raised by apes gradually discovers his humanity. Scratchboard illustrations lend dignity to Tarzan's often violent adventures, while an author's note gives a thoroughly and engagingly personal account of Tarzan lore.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Howard Fine.
Before making it on the silver screen, mild-mannered King Kong peddled Ape-On cosmetics--according to this offbeat tale. Crisp narration and goofy puns help make the premise work. Fine's skillful use of perspective and rich pastels intensifies the future star's mammoth, yet amusingly dapper appearance. Readers will chuckle at the bespectacled, bow-tied behemoth hawking his Gorilla Mist perfume.