Customer Reviews

Courage the Monkey

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Once upon a story time
on top a mountain peak
there lived a little monkey
who was really quite unique

He was a spider monkey
with a long tail and big ears
He had to do one special task
but couldn't hide his fears

The other monkeys laughed at him
because they'd never heard
of anyone failing this test
They thought it was absurd

His little brother spurred him on
He knew he could succeed
But sad to say he lacked the faith
and couldn't do the deed

He wandered off all by himself
ignoring all his friends
But soon he had a chance to prove
that inner strength transcends

A tale of courage and of strength
Of faith and inspiration
Of how a child can conquer fear
In the right situation

A good book for a younger child
That'll meet your expectations
You'll like the way the story's told
And love the illustrations



Amanda Richards, April 30, 2007

I have three little girls. We check books out from the library by the sack full. It's incredible how many are just junk. But Courage the Monkey is a good one! The story is cute and clear and has a hardy message that all three of my kids readily understood (and I hope take to heart). Good job Mr. Jordan ... and thank you.

I bought this book after hearing the author being interviewed on television. It has a great message for children, told in an engaging way, about overcoming fear and being courageous. This book has 'staying power' and has already become a favorite of my grandchildren. I heard the author, Mark Jordan, say that he will be writing others in this series, and I will definitely be on the lookout for them.

Dr. Robert H. Wolf
Little Rock, Arkansas

This book brings to light issues that face all children -- and adults for that matter -- primarily fear and courage. The author has done a masterful job of using monkeys to convey emotions felt by people.

Courage the Monkey is easy to follow and well-illustrated. Our children (daughter 4 / son 6) found the book to be very entertaining but also thought-provoking.

I highly rcommend it to anyone with children!

I have to confess something first. I got this book in the mail. As soon as I opened it, my sons went, "MOM! Book for me!" I told them not yet as I had to read it first then I'll read it to them. Well, the other day, I was frantically looking for it all over the house ~~ the two little monkeys of mine took off with it. I found it beneath the pillow of one of my twins' bed. Hm. I finally got a chance to read it and read it to them as well ~~ they loved it! I love it! It is definitely a keeper in our library!! (Ironically, we had just seen a Planet Earth episode about the very same monkey tribe that lives on Mount Kenomy ~~ which is great for the boys to explore more about spider monkeys and where they live!)

This book talks about Jonathan the Spider Monkey. He celebrates his 11th birthday and in order to celebrate it, he has to climb a special tree. Only to his horror, he finds out that he's too scared to climb the tree. Dejected, he leaves his friends (who hooted and hollared at him) and spent his days daydreaming underneath the gorgeous skies, till he hears his little brother screaming for help. Jonathan finds courage to do something he didn't think he had inside him.

This book is PERFECT for preschoolers, kindergartners, first graders who are learning to read! This is perfect for parents to read to their kids and a good introduction into the theme of courage, when it is ok to be scared, or not to be scared. It is a good discussion book and the vividly drawn illustrations helps to redeem the story line wonderfully. And reading a story about monkeys to little imps ~~ it makes for a fun bedtime story!

This is definitely a keeper! It doesn't preach on the theme of courage but encourages the kids to think and understand. Kids will love it ~~ mine do.

6-20-07

As I was opening the envelope which held "Courage the Monkey," my year-old nephew squealed with delight. The beautifully illustrated cover caught his eyes and, of course, he was ready for a reading.

When I began to read the tale to him, we both were transported to the majestic Mount Kenomy, home to Jonathan, a spider monkey about to meet the challenge of making his first solo climb when he turns eleven. Fearing the task, he isolates himself from his fellows and their taunts. However, a predicament involving his younger brother David brings Jonathan the much-needed strength to overcome his apprehension.

As mentioned before, the illustrations are vividly engaging and the accompanying text is perfect for the advanced pre-schooler and the early elementary child. The message of courage when facing adversity is simple enough for the reader to grasp.

This is a great start to what-is-hoped-to-be a long-running series.

On the very tip of a mountain lives Jonathan the spider monkey. As Jonathan eagerly awaits his special birthday (special because he will get to climb his first tree), he becomes very afraid when he sees how big his tree will be. All the monkeys made fun of him because he was the first monkey to ever be afraid of climbing a tree. Jonathan had a wonderful brother, David, who kept encouraging him, telling him he could do it. But still Jonathan was afraid. He began to seclude himself and not play with friends. He told himself that one day, he would climb a tree.

That one day came sooner than he wanted. While resting in the grass one day, Jonathan heard a cry for help. It was David. He had fallen and landed on a ledge of the mountain. Jonathan wanted to help his brother, but was scared. After mustering all of his strength, Jonathan was able to climb a nearby tree and save his brother! All the other spider monkey's cheered as they saw this. Soon after they renamed Jonathan "Courage" because of the courage he showed that day.

I loved this book! After reading it to my two boys, we discussed what courage was and how we can encourage each other to do things we're afraid of doing. They told me I had to keep this book forever so they could read it again and again!

Mark Jordan has done a wonderful job capturing with words and pictures a character trait that many parents want instilled in their children.

Armchair Interviews says: What a great message for children.

If first impressions make a difference than this book takes ten giant steps forward; the cover is spectacular. Our eyes immediately see Jonathan, an 11 year old spider monkey, who is about as cute as can be. Inside we continue to have a feast for our eyes as each page illustrations brightly and colorfully set the mode and story mood for the words we are reading. Absolutely outstanding illustrations.
We read the tale of young Jonathan who lives on top of the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Kenomy. Jonathan is about to have his 11th birthday and on this day he must do a special task, but one that causes him great fear. Sadly, all the other monkey's mocked him, but Jonathan's brother never loses faith in Jonathan and because of this, Jonathan will find the courage that was always inside of him, and will become the one who saves the day.
Courage The Monkey is a wonderful book teaching children that there may be times when they are not able to accomplish something, but that does not mean in the future they won't. It also teaches them that having faith in each other's ability, and being an encouragement can mean the difference between victory or defeat. A great learning story with top-of-the-notch illustrations.
Definitely recommended.

My kids loved the fun and colorful story. As a mother, I loved the message they got from the book. When I asked them about the book, they said their favorite part was how the little brother David encouraged Jonathan when he was scared. I have always taught my kids to be there for one another and support each other. I was thrilled to find a book that reinforced what I had taught them! I would recommend this book for all children.

This delightful children's book is charming in its ability to capture a child's attention with its enchanting story and brightly colored illustrations while also teaching values. I have bought several copies to use as gifts to children and for school libraries.