My Friend Gorilla [Hardcover]

Atsuko Morozumi (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The son of a zookeeper who has brought a gorilla home to live with his family is at first afraid of the beast, but they soon become friends. Unfortunately, when it starts to get cold, the gorilla must go home to Africa.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Morozumi returns to the subject she explored so winningly in One Gorilla with a humorous, tender tale of another such creature who befriends a five-year-old boy," said PW. Ages 3-6.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?This sweet, easy-to-read book is a follow-up to One Gorilla (Farrar, 1990). Told in the voice of the zookeeper's son, the story tells of the child and his huge pet primate. When the zoo closes, the gorilla goes to live with the family throughout the spring and summer. Boy and gorilla become friends, play, shop, and even celebrate a birthday. In the fall, the animal is sent home to Africa, and although his young friend misses him, he has a photo of the now-acclimated gentle giant and many happy memories to treasure. The story is a bit precious, but the tender, full-page watercolor illustrations carry the narrative. Soft hues, sharp details of the home and garden, a large format, and genuine child appeal mark this delightful friendship story.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st US edition (February 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374354588
• ISBN-13: 978-0374354589
• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,129,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Difference need not be an occasion of fear, November 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: My Friend Gorilla (Hardcover)

This is a beautifully illustrated children's book that teaches that difference need not be an occasion of fear nor separation the cause for feeling abandoned. The story is simple: A young boy and a young gorilla become good friends. As they grow, the boy learns that it is best that they are separated because it is good for the gorilla. They part friends as the gorilla is sent to Africa, but neither the boy nor the gorilla forgets the other.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great all-round storybook, April 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: My Friend Gorilla (Hardcover)

This story has all the attributes of a good book for early readers, its short, sweet, with beautiful illustrations. A pleasure to read, and a favorite on my little girl's shelf.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An All-Time Family Favorite!, February 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: My Friend Gorilla (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful combination of very simple text and beautiful illustrations. There are no more a couple of sentences to a page, so impatient toddlers don't have to wait long to turn each page. And even though the text is simple, the story is about a relationship that's pretty complex for a children's book (it's an "if you love someone, set them free" type of theme). Our 2 year-old loves this book, and we don't tire of reading (and re-reading) this one, like so many others. I imagine it would also be a great choice for an early reader.