The Painting Gorilla [Hardcover]

Michael Rex (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

"In this comically far-fetched book, a talented gorilla’s paintings of other zoo animals and their visitors earn her fame and fortune, which she’s not sure what do with.... In the end, this joyful painting gorilla reminds us that the best things in life are free." --Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K. A gorilla who lives in the zoo becomes famous for creating paintings of the creatures and people she sees. When she earns a million dollars from the sale of her work, she buys the zoo and takes "all the animals back to their natural homes" to set them free. This slim moral tale is told in straightforward language and illustrated with vivid, acrylic cartoons painted on cel vinyl. Faces of all hues are represented, and children will enjoy naming the zoo inhabitants. Though youngsters will appreciate this quiet book, it lacks the light touch and whimsy of Peggy Rathmann's Goodnight, Gorilla (Putnam, 1994), also about a zoo escape.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

From the illustrator of David Getz's Floating Home (p. 380), the story of a gorilla who finds plenty of subject matter for her artwork in the zoo where she lives. There's a ``captive'' audience to buy her paintings--the people who visit the zoo. The money pours in and the gorilla becomes a world-famous millionaire, but she's not happy: She has no desire for clothes, cars, or rocket ships. Polling her animals friends for a solution, the gorilla eventually uses her pile of dough to buy the zoo; she converts it to a playground, and sets all the animals free, to return to their homes. Perhaps in a story that demands readers believe in primate fine art, questioning how the animals return to their homes (the elephant, among them, lives on another continent) or in what state their homes will be (probably less than idyllic) is quibbling. The story is weak, relying on clich‚s instead of a real exploration of the elaborately set-up premise: What can a gorilla do with a million bucks? Jovial cartoons add a sunny look to the pages that promise a lot of monkeying around but don't deliver. (Picture book. 3-6) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805050205
• ISBN-13: 978-0805050202
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,574,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Illustrator Michael Rex is the author and illustrator of many books for children. He lives in the Bronx, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a favorite among pre-schoolers I know, June 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Painting Gorilla (Hardcover)

Michael Rex, the author/illustrator of The Painting Gorillia, has done a wonderful job of delivering this heart-warming story at a level even the youngest child can enjoy. Children seem to relate to its message and each page has a rich color illustration full of fun detail. My two-year-old wants me to read this book over and over again...to point out the animals he knows, to look at the playground with all its activities, and to see the funny illustrations of the gorilla trying to decide what to do with her money. Even I enjoy looking at the double-page spreads of crowds at the zoo and children at the playground. My son and I find new details each time we read the book! I have recommended The Painting Gorilla to other parents and it has become a favorite at their houses, too.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Painting Gorilla, November 30, 2010

By 

Lisa Rothman (NYC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Painting Gorilla (Hardcover)

Love this book for my grandkids and so my friend wanted one for hers. The book came quickly and in beautiful condition even though used. The seller seemed very nice in an email she sent verifying that the order was made: like I knew her: very nice!