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Sneaky Sheep
By Chris Monroe
Carolrhoda Books (a division of Lerner)
$15.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5615-8
Ages 4-8
On shelves now.

If an author/illustrator redefines picturebookdom’s understanding of the relationship between monkeys and their tool belts, it’s difficult to predict where they may go next. Chris Monroe is one such puzzle to me. Most picture book author/illustrators that come from other mediums tend to hail from the world of animation. Far fewer, interestingly enough, come from the world of comic strips (and those that do don’t tend to be memorable). That’s where Ms. Monroe is different. When she stepped onto the scene a couple years ago with Chico Bon-Bon, star of Monkey with a Tool Belt (one of the most requested books in my little old children’s room) she made you forget that there even were other children’s book monkeys out there. But after Chico’s sequel (Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem) it seemed clear that there should be somewhere else for Monroe to go. A topic that involved more than simply simians and their acumen with basic mechanical objects. The answer: her newest book. Sneaky Sheep has that same Monroe storytelling. That same Monroe style. It just happens to also have livestock that make poor life choices. Plus it’s a hoot. That doesn’t hurt any.

Rocky and Blossom are not good sheep. They don’t make good decisions. Living, as they do, in a low meadow with 147 other sheep and a sheepdog named Murphy, Rocky and Blossom yearn to gain access to a different meadow. High above on another mountain they can see a meadow of superior charms. One that undoubtedly has supremely succulent clover. Unfortunately for them, Murphy is no fool. The minute they try to escape he’s on their tails, taking them back. One day, however, the sheep get the drop on their guardian. Everything seems to be going fine too, until a hungry wolf takes note of their vulnerability. To their great relief, Murphy comes to their aid and they’ve all learned an important lesson . . . . for a while.

Every author/illustrator has a secret weapon at their disposal. Chris Van Allsburg treads on the edge of photo-realism. Kevin Henkes hits his readers at their emotional core. For Ms. Monroe, her secret weapon is her grasp of the English language. Naming her monkey with a tool belt Chico Bon Bon was a stroke of genius. Similarly, this new book is clever right from the get go. Say the words Sneaky Sheep a

Monkey with a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Library Binding: 32 pages
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (December 15, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0822576317
ISBN-13: 978-0822576310
Source of book: Review copy from publisher

Chico Bon Bon is a monkey who owns a tool belt full of tools—from the conventional screwdriver and drill to the not-so-conventional donkey wrench, zoozle, and snozz remover. On any given day, Chico Bon Bon will use these tools to build and fix things for his friends and family. He is extremely creative as is evidenced by the clock he builds for ducks and the small roller coaster for local chipmunks.

One day, a devious organ grinder looking for a new circus monkey lures Chico Bon Bon into a trap and takes him back to the circus camp. Luckily, Chico Bon Bon has his trusty tool belt with him and devises a plan to escape—the execution of this plan will leave children laughing and cheering for Chico.

While the story and text are very funny, it's Monroe's hilarious and highly detailed illustrations that will keep kids coming back to the book. The most elaborate illustration is that of the organ grinder taking Chico Bon Bon through the town to the circus camp. We see him traveling through the town on a winding road, passing by a pond, a smoothie hut, a park, a bookstore, and more. Each time I look at this page, I see something new.

I gave a copy to my friend Chris who has two daughters, ages 6 and 3, and he says it's quickly become a favorite in their house. If you're looking for a funny book that will keep kids asking for you to read it to them, Monkey with a Tool Belt makes a perfect choice. I sincerely hope this isn't the last we see of Chico Bon Bon.


What other bloggers are saying:


A Fuse #8 Production: "Monkeys are funny. Tool belts are not funny. So how do we account for the fact that monkeys plus tool belts are very funny? I've no idea, but if Chris Monroe keeps churning out more picture books of this style and flavor, I'll be a happy woman. Definitely a keeper for the tool belt and monkey lovers of the world."

Jen Robinson's Book Page: "Really, I think that everyone who has young children should go out and get a copy of this book. I might see if I can buy it in bulk, for all of my gift-giving needs. Monkey with a Tool Belt has my highest recommendation."

Zion School Library: "After reading Monkey with a Tool Belt aloud to 1st graders, they gave the book the highest praise by asking 'Is there another 'Monkey' book? If there isn't there should be!'"

Three Silly Chicks: "Monkey with a Tool Belt is a book kids will enjoy mightily. It's all that and a banana hammer!"

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