My Friend Gorilla

Rating:
Summary: A winner! Nice story, fantastic pictures.
Review: My kids and I love this book. They are big fans of the zoo, so they find it especially interesting that this big, friendly gorilla came from the zoo. This book is very short on words and the narrative is very simple and matter of fact. But I find the language very similar to what a small child might actually say if narrating this story. We certainly read the words, but it is the images that tell the bigger and better story. One one page the little boy says something like, "I like him." But on that page and the opposing page, there is a lovely scene of he and the gorilla in the park/playground surrounded by tens of other children all playing. Another page says something like, "He came to my birthday party." Again, the picture says so much more. There is the birthday party scene with all the boys and girls and presents and birthday cake. The gorilla is sitting at the same table looking quite content, but sitting on this very little chair. My children find that very funny. The pictures encourage lots of conversation. Plus this is a big, hardcover book...great for the eyes and little hands.

Rating:
Summary: An All-Time Family Favorite!
Review: This book is a wonderful combination of very simple text and beautiful illustrations. There are no more a couple of sentences to a page, so impatient toddlers don't have to wait long to turn each page. And even though the text is simple, the story is about a relationship that's pretty complex for a children's book (it's an "if you love someone, set them free" type of theme). Our 2 year-old loves this book, and we don't tire of reading (and re-reading) this one, like so many others. I imagine it would also be a great choice for an early reader.

Rating:
Summary: Great all-round storybook
Review: This story has all the attributes of a good book for early readers, its short, sweet, with beautiful illustrations. A pleasure to read, and a favorite on my little girl's shelf.