Are you looking for some Monkey children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Monkeys are such a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Monkey books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Monkeys, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Curious George by H. A. Rey
This is the first adventure in this highly popular series of Curious George. It tells how this little monkey was caught in the jungle and brought back to the city by a man in a yellow hat.
Curious George can’t help being interested in all the new things around him. Though, well meaning, George’s curiosity always gets him into trouble. Young readers can easily relate, and the cheerful illustrations celebrate Curious George’s innocence.
Literacy Extensions:
- Monkey Word Bank
- “Monkey” Student Counting Booklet
- Monkey Paper Plate Art Project
- Monkey Build a Word Game
2. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
A hilarious picture book about dealing with unexplained feeling and the danger in suppressing them!
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it. How can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
The author brings a hilarity and levity to this very important lesson. This picture book is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings. Keeping in mind though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Monkeys Are” Classroom Book
- “My Monkey” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Monkeys & Bears
- Monkey Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Children will delight in following the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys and will ask to read it again and again. Caps for Sale is an excellent easy-to-read book that includes repetition, patterns, and colors, perfect for early readers.
This tale of a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity and also teaches children about problem and resolution.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “To Catch a Monkey”
- Student Booklet: “Monkey Counting”
- Monkey Counting Math Game
- My Monkey Story: Student Worksheets
4. Five Little Monkeys by Eileen Christelow
It’s summer and school is out! The monkeys are bored. When five little monkeys ask for something to do.
Cleaning the house for Grandma Bessie’s visit isn’t exactly what they had in mind. But leave it to those mischievous monkeys to find a way to make housework fun and messy!
Literacy Extensions:
- Monkey Literature List
- Monkey Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Monkey Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Monkey Hat Art Project
5. The Monkey Who Saved the Zoo by Adisan Books
Meet Chip, the lovable monkey who keeps the zoo safe from any animals who try to escape. With his quick thinking and reflexes, Chip is always on the lookout for trouble and is ready to act at a moment’s notice.
Whether he’s chasing down escaped tigers or calming down disgruntled elephants, Chip is the hero the zoo needs to maintain order and prevent chaos. Find out how this monkey stops the Grumpy Pirate Penguin!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Monkeys Are” Classroom Book
- Monkey Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Monkey Art Project
- Monkey Number & Ten Frames
6. I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer
This tenth book in the New York Times bestselling biography series profiles Jane Goodall, the scientist and conservationist who is famous for her work with chimpanzees.
After receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee for her first birthday, Jane Goodall’s love of animals only grew. She saw what humans and animals had in common, not what makes us different. She used that knowledge to advocate for animal rights everywhere, becoming famous for her work with chimpanzees.
Literacy Extensions:
- Monkey Word Bank
- Monkey Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Monkey Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Monkey Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Monkeys by Anne Schreiber
This comical, adorable, and fascinating book documents the lives of monkeys living in the wild. It includes details regarding their behavior, families, and environment.
The carefully constructed text guarantees a successful and rewarding reading experience for level 2 readers who are able to read alone, with minor assistance. The photography and extras featured in this title ensure a fun and interactive experience for the reader.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Monkey Senses” Student Booklet
- Monkey Make a Short Vowel Word
- Monkey Sight Word Games
- Monkey Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. ChimpanSNEEZE by Aaron Zenz
Anyone can be a Monkey and this guidebook will show you how! Just follow six easy steps and you’ll be saving the world in no time. Join an aspiring hero as he selects a secret identity, chooses a power, and much, much more.
But it isn’t easy being super. And sometimes the greatest acts of heroism need a helping hand to get off the ground. Kristy Dempsey’s rollicking text, coupled with Mark Fearing’s expressive, cartoon-style illustrations will have readers laughing all the way to infinity and beyond!
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Monkey” Classroom Book
- Monkey Letter & Sound Match Game
- Monkey Build a Word
- Monkey Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Monkey children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Monkey books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
