Ten Monkey Jamboree [Hardcover]

Dianne Ochiltree (Author), Anne-Sophie Lanquetin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

"Monkey fun takes more than one," says the monkey in the jungle tree.

In this cheerful, whimsical romp, readers will discover just how many monkeys it takes to make a jungle jamboree. They'll also learn how many combinations of numbers will add up to ten.

Ten monkeys add up to real monkey fun!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ten monkeys are up to some mathematical business, seeing how many different rhyming ways they can constitute a "jungle jamboree." For example, seven monkeys cavorting in a tree are joined first by a duo that "twirl and flip./ Their long tails curl./ They never slip!" and then by one who "hangs by her knees/ in the breeze." They celebrate as "Ten monkeys [having] a tail-tangling, tree-dangling jungle jamboree," one of Ochiltree's (Cats Add Up) five variations on the same refrain. French illustrator Lanquetin's overalls-clad and boxer-wearing monkeys possess an irresistible insouciance (they even manage to stave off a tiger), and their jungle landscape blends the darkly exotic with the genially silly. But the book's format may confuse novice mathematicians. Many of the "equations" stretch over two spreads, and without numerical guideposts (in fact, there are no numerals to be found), it's often necessary to flip back and forth between pages to keep track of the addends. Ages 4-7.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

reS-Gr 2 With a crew of capricious monkeys, a jaunty rhyming text, and energetic artwork, this book adds up to a good time. Hanging by his tail from a branch, a monkey clothed in bright overalls invites nine friends to play. Seven of the animals "twist and spin" from tree to tree, two of them "twirl and flip," and one "hangs by her knees/in the breeze," adding up to 10 monkeys having "-a tail-tangling, tree-dangling jungle jamboree." Next, two of the monkeys "click sticks," four swing giant palm leaves "that whistle and sing," and four more "keep the beat" by slapping a log "with hands and feet," creating "-a music-making,/leaf-shaking/jungle jamboree." These antics continue, culminating in an encounter with a hungry yellow tiger. Never fear-the clever primates make their getaway and even manage to scare off the predator. The rhythmic text and repeated refrain will have young listeners humming along. Done in inks and pencils, the stylized illustrations are appropriately lush, featuring shimmering shades of blue, violet, and green. Using changing perspectives, shifts between daytime and nighttime scenes, and unexpected splashes of bright color, the double-page spreads are fresh and appealing, and keep pace with the frenetic text. Children will enjoy looking closely at the pictures to locate each of the individuals performing the activities described in the verses. Youngsters who are more confident of their counting abilities will be interested in seeing how different number combinations can add up to 10. A fun, count-along romp.

Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1 edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689834020
• ISBN-13: 978-0689834028
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,906,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been reading and writing since I was a kid growing up in a midwestern steel town in the late fifties and sixties. After earning a BFA in Applied Design from Miami University, I promptly went out a got a job as a writer!I've been happily writing ever since, first as advertising copywriter, then as a marketing editor for a technology company, then as a freelance PR writer for local businesses and nonprofit organizations. About ten years ago, I entered the field of writing for children and love it! It's the most rewarding, challenging and delightful job I've ever had. My favorite part of the job just may be meeting young readers, either at school visits or book signings or other community events. I also feel strongly about creating environments where reading is encouraged, enabled and applauded.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical and graceful poetry combined with adorable artwork, January 9, 2002

By 

Robin Friedman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ten Monkey Jamboree (Hardcover)

Dianne Ochiltree is a master of poetry, and in this adorable book, she demonstrates her substantial rhythmic skills. The words are playful and melodious, begging to be read aloud. The monkeys are all cute as a button, and the oversized, bright artwork literally jumps off the page. This is a beautiful book that hits all the right notes.