Otter Barry books ISBN 978191059756 £11.99
When Monkey and Hyena’s dispute over a musical bow reaches Lion, the solution he comes up with is to keep the bow for himself. It takes all Monkey’s cunning to ensure the bow becomes his to keep. Requesting the chance to play the bow one last time, Monkey plays tune after tune, music so irresistible the animals are literally dancing until they drop with exhaustion, begging Monkey to take the bow away.
This is a very engaging retelling of a South African trickster tale and explanation of why monkeys live in trees. Well written, it would be an enjoyable read aloud with opportunity to discuss monkey’s trick and how children would solve the animals’ dispute. The mixed media illustrations are very striking with amusing and very hip portrayals of the animal characters including a cheeky monkey, arrogant lion and sinister hyena. Be aware, the text becomes a little gruesome when hyena’s threat to monkey is described. The back of the book includes information about musical bows in traditions across the world. This is a book which may inspire children age 6-8 to create their own tunes, invent dances or even make their own musical bow.
Sue McGonigle