Monkey For Sale [Hardcover]

Sanna Stanley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

It's market day in a Congolese village!

It's market day in Luzolo's village, and she has a five-franc coin to spend. Her parents tell her on market day, "No one gets something for nothing." She must choose wisely, they say, and bargain for a fair price. Then she and her friend Kiese discover that Mama Lusufu has a wild monkey for sale. They offer to trade their new purchases for the monkey, but Mama Lusufu has her eye on a new water jug made by Kiese's mother, who in turn wants a piece of embroidery made by Luzolo's mother. Luzolo's mother wants four tin cups, and the tin cup salesman wants a basket for his wife . . .

With etchings combined with vibrant collage, Sanna Stanley tells a lively story about two friends who embark on an elaborate chain of barter and bargaining to rescue a monkey.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the follow-up to Monkey Sunday, Monkey for Sale by Sanna Stanley, young Luzolo is back and, together with her friend Kiese, she arranges to free a monkey captured by a greedy vendor at the market. Delicate etchings in luxurious jungle hues trace the two girls' efforts to orchestrate a chain of trades to save the monkey just in time.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Two girls make a series of trades in order to free a captured monkey. Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the story conveys the excitement of Market Day. Luzolo has a five-franc coin to spend. Her parents caution her to choose wisely and bargain for a fair price. When she and Kiese discover that a village woman has captured a wild monkey to sell as a pet, the friends make it their mission to free it. The illustrations consist of backgrounds done in several tones of brown, contrasted with brightly colored clothes, fruits, and plants. The style is unique, combining "two printmaking processes: etching and hand-painted Chine coll‚ on mulberry paper." When the girls finally get the monkey, they release it in the jungle. A simple story, sweetly rendered.
Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (October 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374350175
• ISBN-13: 978-0374350178
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,043,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Kid-Centered Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, February 10, 2003

By 

Leslie A. Bulion (CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Monkey For Sale (Hardcover)

This Congolese market story introduces children to a village where peoples' lives are intertwined and their talents and services contribute to village life. The cause and effect trading process challenges children to follow sequence in an inventive and entertaining way as they ponder the meaning of value beyond money. Luzolo and Kiese show children how they can reach beyond their immediate desires to care for someone in need. Rich illustrations and a unique printmaking process make the brightly colored African clothing pop from the warm village backgrounds.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful images, October 17, 2002

By 

"5murdley" (CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Monkey For Sale (Hardcover)

The pictures are beautiful, vibrant. Quietly raucous story of commerce in a simpler place. Story is a little complex for 6 yr olds, maybe better for 8-9.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Tale, October 9, 2002

By 

Andrea Simon (New York, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Monkey For Sale (Hardcover)

A delightful, engaging story that not only entertains but teaches children about the value of a true gift and about the lives of those from different cultures. The colorful illustrations are beautifully rendered and produced by a unique process.