Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans

by Chris Monroe

Summary: Chico, the clever monkey, helps his friend Clark, the elephant, (Maybe include an adjective to describe Clark in order to keep it parallel to your description of Chico) solve a problem at a seaside resort.

This is a humorous “who-done-it” mystery. Since it is a fairly lengthy story and written partially in graphic novel format, I do not recommend this book as a group read aloud. This book may be enjoyed by an advanced primary school student who reads it to his/herself, or when read one on one to a younger child. The only flaw in this story is that the clues do not match with the general behavior of the culprit, which makes it difficult to guess which animal did it. This is the newest book in a series.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3