Review by Booklist Review
Constructed around the explicit lesson that you are you and I am me, this sequel to 2012's Monkey and Elephant will engage newly emergent readers. In three chapters, Monkey first expresses annoyance when Elephant copies her, then provides TLC when Elephant comes down with a cold, and finally receives the same when she in turn develops the sneezles. Bernstein depicts the two friends in a woodsy setting, makes them large on the page so their changing expressions will be easy to track, and adds a touch of playfulness by coloring the trees lavender and Elephant a greenish turquoise. With its simply written text and plotline, this low-key episode will spark feelings of sympathy in readers as Monkey and Elephant get better at being themselves. It could easily lead to a general discussion of differences in shape, behavior, and abilities, too.--Peters, John Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Elephant likes to parrot everything Monkey says until, "Achoo!" Monkey sneezes. Elephant sneezes-once, twice, three times, and suddenly he feels sick. Monkey takes care of him, with soft hay to rest on, fresh water to drink, and rock juggling to entertain him. No sooner than Elephant recoups, Monkey feels under the weather. Elephant takes care of her by bringing her hay and water to cool her forehead and playing trunk trumpet songs to amuse her. The simple, yet detailed digital illustrations and cool palette complement the mood and message of the text. This follow-up to Monkey and Elephant (Candlewick, 2012) contains endearing dialogue between the two characters. Their expressive faces, gestures, and words convey the interactions of true friends. Monkey and Elephant have distinct voices that would make this a great read-aloud. The story also has the appropriate pacing and length for youngsters transitioning to independent reading with books like Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie" series (Hyperion).-Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Friends Monkey and Elephant are very much alike. In the first chapter, each thinks the other is a copycat; when both get sick in the remaining two chapters, they discover that they also have some differences. Bright but somewhat flat computer-generated illustrations allow youngsters to preview the action before reading the words; the bold typeface and jewel-tone palette are eye-catching. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A fine follow-up to Monkey and Elephant (2012) follows two friends in sickness and in health. Comprising three short chapters, the book opens with Monkey feeling a bit put out that her friend Elephant seems to be copying her in a case of elephant-see-elephant-do. This culminates in Elephant sneezing after Monkey does. "Elephant, are you still copying me?" she asks, the picture showing her looking askance in his direction. "No," the sickly looking pachyderm replies, "I don't feel so good." In the next chapter, Monkey rises to the occasion and takes care of her sick friend, a role he assumes when he recovers in the final chapter and must nurse the now-ill Monkey. Part of their caretaking includes entertaining each other in ways only they can: Monkey juggles rocks with not two, but four hands, and Elephant trumpets a song for her with his trunk. Their respective speedy recoveries then prompt them to practice their particular skills so they can "get better" at them just as they "got better" from their illnesses. Ultimately, the themes of individuality, health and friendship don't come together quite as seamlessly as one might hope, but the cheerful, cartoonish digital illustrations help to mitigate this narrative failing. A sweet story that delivers a healthy message about individuality and friendship to new readers. (Early reader. 5-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
