Monkeys and dog days
(Book)

Gr 1-3-This beginning reader features a suburban monkey family of four. Two brothers, Max and Pete, want a dog. Although their parents caution them that "a dog is a lot of work," the kids insist they are good workers. After researching the subject, the family makes a trip to the animal shelter, where they settle on Fudge. Both boys take on their new responsibility with enthusiasm until Pete becomes distracted by his friends. Soon, Fudge considers Max, who feeds, brushes, walks, and plays with her, her sole master. The older boy is chagrined and starts to perform his share of the chores again. The story, divided into four chapters, includes a sprinkling of fun facts about dogs and emphasizes important lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and cooperation. Muted pastel illustrations show the brothers and their new pet. Although the easy-to-read story and art are pleasant, Lori Ries's Aggie and Ben (Charlesbridge, 2006) has more expressive illustrations and humor.-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Banks and Bogacki team up again (Mama's Coming Home, 2003, etc.), this time with their first book for new readers, which is also the first book in the Monkey Readers series. Monkey brothers Max and Pete convince their parents that they are mature enough to get a dog. They promise to share the responsibilities and are overjoyed when brown-and-white Fudge joins the family. But after the initial excitement wears off Pete leaves the dog care to his little brother, and soon Fudge shows a preference for Max. In the end, both brothers and dog learn subtle lessons about responsibility and rewards. The large number of words per page might be daunting for the newest reader, but the endearing characters and appealing plot will encourage them to return to the monkey brothers again and again. The enticing "1" on the spine means the monkey brothers may well return for many more adventures; let's hope so. For readers who are ready for a step up in difficulty from Henry and Mudge. (Reader. 5-9) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 1–3— This beginning reader features a suburban monkey family of four. Two brothers, Max and Pete, want a dog. Although their parents caution them that "a dog is a lot of work," the kids insist they are good workers. After researching the subject, the family makes a trip to the animal shelter, where they settle on Fudge. Both boys take on their new responsibility with enthusiasm until Pete becomes distracted by his friends. Soon, Fudge considers Max, who feeds, brushes, walks, and plays with her, her sole master. The older boy is chagrined and starts to perform his share of the chores again. The story, divided into four chapters, includes a sprinkling of fun facts about dogs and emphasizes important lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and cooperation. Muted pastel illustrations show the brothers and their new pet. Although the easy-to-read story and art are pleasant, Lori Ries's Aggie and Ben (Charlesbridge, 2006) has more expressive illustrations and humor.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA